Researchers are predicting another four named storms, two of them hurricanes, before the end of the Atlantic hurricane season on November 30.

That is well above average for the season but Colorado State University research scientist Phil Klotzbach says the emergence of a new moderate La Nina event is expected to influence weather patterns around the Gulf of Mexico. It will also increase the chance of storms developing after the official end of the season.

The university's Department of Atmospheric Science has been quite close to the mark with its predictions so far this season.

On August 3, it forecast 15 named storms for the season, including eight hurricanes. As of October 2, 13 events had been observed, including four hurricanes and one (Karen) likely to be upgraded to hurricane status in post-event analysis. In April, the Department predicted 17 named storms for the six-month season.

Although the season is above average, it has been relatively free of catastrophic damage. Insurers hope this remains the case for the final two months and beyond.