Colorado State University researchers are predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2023. Research Assistant Tyler Barbero said they are forecasting 13 named storms of which six would be hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane status.

“Indeed, this forecast does call for a slightly below-average compared to what we’ve seen in the past, partly because of all the uncertainty that we’re seeing in the atmosphere and ocean currently,” said Barbero.

Researchers cite the likely development of El Nino as the primary factor for the below-average prediction for 2023.

And while a slightly below-average hurricane season prediction is welcome news for Bayou State residents, especially after 2020 and 2021, Barbero said to always have a hurricane plan in place regardless.

“It really only takes one storm to make it an active hurricane season for you. We try to stress that no matter what the hurricane season forecast is looking like prepare as always,” said Barbero.

The CSU prediction for a major hurricane to make landfall this season along the Gulf Coast, which stretches from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, Barbero said is 28%.

“We are predicting for at least one major to track through the area. We’re predicting about 28% compared to the average which is 27%, so pretty on average probability,” said Barbero.

The CSU team will issue forecast updates on June 1st, July 6th, and August 3rd.

The first tropical storm of the 2023 season will be named Arlene, followed by Bret, Cindy, and Don.