Record hot ocean temperatures could turbocharge this hurricane season, according to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA scientists increased the chance that this year will be an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60% on Thursday. In May, NOAA predicted a “near-normal” hurricane season with 30% likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season.

The forecast revision decreased the likelihood of near-normal activity to 25% from 40% chance announced in May.

The revised outlook covers the remainder of the six-month hurricane season, which begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30, and forecasts a season total of 14 to 21 named storms with winds of 39 mph or greater. Of those, six to 11 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or greater, and between two and five could become major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater. The revised estimates published Thursday include the five named storms and one hurricane that have already happened, according to NOAA.

A “normal” year would have 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes…Source – Read More!