This year’s tropical cyclone season was mostly benign, with 40 events worldwide causing preliminary insured losses of $US2.7 billion ($3.22 billion) and killing 544 people, according to Munich Re.

Last year 43 storms killed 7000 people and caused insured losses of $US3.5 billion ($4.17 billion).

The reinsurer says the final bill for the season – which ended last month – is likely to be $US3 billion ($3.57 billion), down on the recent annual average of $US24 billion ($28.63 billion).

The most expensive event was Hurricane Odile in Mexico, which caused six deaths and insured losses of $US1.1 billion ($1.31 billion). Next up were Cyclone Hudhud in India, which killed 66 and caused insured losses of $US530 million ($632 million), and Typhoon Rammasun in Asia, which killed 195 and generated $US250 million ($298.23 million) in insured losses.

Scientists predict a weak El Nino phase will last until the middle of next year.

“The patterns observed are well in line with what can be expected in an emerging El Nino phase,” Munich Re Geo Risks Research Head Peter Hoeppe said.

“Because El Nino conditions are still probable at the height of the tornado season in the US [March to May], the likelihood of a more active tornado season in the US is higher.”

Below average North Atlantic water temperatures and atmospheric conditions such as lower humidity and stronger wind shear have also inhibited the development of tropical cyclones.

An above-average number of cyclones formed in the east Pacific, one of which hit Hawaii.

In the northwest Pacific the number of cyclones was below average, but landfalls on the Japanese coast were unusually high, which is also consistent with El Nino conditions.