Environment
NOAA forecasts below-normal Atlantic hurricane season as El Niño strengthens
Federal meteorologists are predicting a quieter-than-average Atlantic hurricane season, citing a developing and potentially strong El Niño expected to suppress tropical storm formation. NOAA puts the odds of a below-normal season at 55%, with 8 to 14 named storms forecast — fewer than the 14 that constitute an average season — and 1 to 3 of those potentially reaching major hurricane strength. Officials cautioned that reduced activity does not mean the threat disappears entirely.