Colorado State University (CSU) forecasters have increased the expected number of named Atlantic storms this season from 14 to 15, with six predicted to become hurricanes.

CSU forecaster Philip Klotzbach says a transition from neutral conditions to a weak La Nina phase by the peak of the hurricane season is possible.

“While most of the tropical Atlantic and subtropical Atlantic is slightly warmer than normal, the far North Atlantic remains cold, potentially indicative of a negative phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation.

“We anticipate a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the US coastline and in the Caribbean.

“As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it takes only one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them.”