Weather forecasters at Colorado State University (CSU) have issued predictions for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, foreseeing significant activity due to favorable conditions such as warm sea surface temperatures and reduced wind shear. The forecast includes the projection of five major hurricanes with winds exceeding 178 kph out of a total of 23 named storms expected throughout the season. These forecasts are of great importance to coastal communities and energy companies, particularly those situated along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as it plays a significant role in the nation's crude oil production, natural gas output, and oil-refining capacity.

CSU's forecast also highlights the elevated probability of major hurricanes making landfall along the continental U.S. coastline and in the Caribbean region. The upcoming hurricane season is anticipated to be well above average, with comparisons drawn to other very active hurricane seasons in the past. The reasoning behind the forecast includes above-average sea surface temperatures, acting as fuel for hurricanes, and the projected end of the El Nino weather pattern, which typically brings high winds that can disrupt storms in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.

The 2024 predictions from CSU are in line with other forecasts, such as AccuWeather's estimation of a 10%-15% likelihood of 30 or more named storms in the upcoming season. Last year's hurricane season saw the formation of three major hurricanes among a total of seven hurricanes and 20 named storms, with one of the most destructive being Hurricane Idalia, which struck Florida's west coast as a category 3 hurricane. As the hurricane season approaches, experts like Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the CSU forecast, are emphasizing the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of the expected heightened hurricane activity.