HOUSTON, Texas — Brace yourselves, as forecasters from Colorado State University (CSU) are warning of an "extremely active" 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. With warm sea surface temperatures and less wind shear expected, conditions are ripe for a flurry of storms during the upcoming summer and fall months.

The CSU forecast predicts a total of 23 named storms, with 11 of them likely to develop into hurricanes. Among these, five are anticipated to become major hurricanes, boasting winds exceeding 111 miles per hour (178 kph). This forecast, closely monitored by coastal communities and insurance companies, raises concerns for areas vulnerable to hurricane impacts.

"We anticipate a well above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean," stated CSU.

Last year's hurricane season was marked by three major hurricanes and 20 named storms, including the destructive Hurricane Idalia, which ravaged Florida's west coast as a Category 3 storm.

CSU's outlook aligns with other initial forecasts, such as AccuWeather's prediction of a 10-15% chance of 30 or more named storms. Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the CSU forecast, attributes the heightened activity to above-average sea surface temperatures and the impending end of the El Niño weather pattern, which typically curbs storm development.

As the 2024 hurricane season approaches, preparation and vigilance will be key for communities vulnerable to these potentially devastating storms.