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Forecasters tip mild Atlantic hurricane season

US meteorologists have forecast a “well below average” Atlantic hurricane season from June to November.

Philip Klotzbach and William Gray from Colorado State University say based on records dating to 1950, a typical year has 12 tropical storms, seven of which become hurricanes.

They say the tropical Atlantic has cooled over the past several months and the chances of a moderate to strong El Nino event this northern summer and autumn are “quite high”.

“Historical data indicate fewer storms form in these conditions,” Dr Klotzbach said.

Last year’s Atlantic hurricane season was also below average, as predicted by the pair. There were eight named tropical storms, the fewest since 1997.

“We anticipate [this year’s] Atlantic Basin hurricane season will be one of the least active seasons since the middle of the 20th century,” the meteorologists say in a report.

“We anticipate a below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the US coastline and in the Caribbean.”

However, they stress their prediction should not lessen vigilance.

“Coastal residents are reminded it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them.

“They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will issue its hurricane forecast next month.

The first named storms of the Atlantic hurricane season will be dubbed Ana, Bill, Claudette and Danny.