Up to six major hurricanes of category three or higher are likely to form during the Atlantic hurricane season this year, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which four to six could become major hurricanes.

On average, the season produces 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes. Last year, the Atlantic hurricane season contained a record 28 storms, including 15 hurricanes. Seven of these hurricanes were considered major, of which a record four hit the US.