"U.S. Forecaster Predicts Below-Average 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season"

"The Atlantic hurricane season will be less active than usual this year due to cooler seas and a strong El Niño effect, the U.S. government weather forecaster said on Wednesday.

The official "below-normal" forecast calls for six to 11 tropical storms this year, with three to six reaching hurricane status of 74-mile-per-hour (120 kph) winds, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said at a press conference in New Orleans. There may be as many as two major hurricanes with winds reaching at least 111 miles per hour.

In an average year, the Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico have 12 named tropical storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes, according to NOAA."

David Adams reports for Reuters May 27, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Obama To Get Hurricane Briefing, Warn About Climate Change" (AP)