The Atlantic hurricane season is likely to have above-normal storm activity this year, Colorado State University researchers say in an adjustment to their previous outlook.

The team anticipates eight hurricanes this season, revised from nine in the previous outlook, while three are expected to become major hurricanes, down from four previously.

“Sea surface temperatures across the eastern and central Atlantic are slightly warmer than normal, but not as warm as they were last year at this time,” the researchers said.

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

The season extends from June 1 to November 30, with the peak typically between mid-August and late October, according to the Florida Climate Centre.

Last year, Hurricane Beryl reached category 5 strength on July 2 – the earliest Atlantic hurricane on record to attain that level – before crossing the Texas coastline.