Record Atlantic Sea Temperatures Lead Forecasters to Predict Major Increase in Hurricane Activity

Colorado State University raised their estimate for tropical storms in the Atlantic hurricane season to 18 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major storms.
Four tropical or subtropical storms have already formed this season, and there is a 50% chance of a major hurricane hitting the United States.
The warm Atlantic waters are due to a weakening Bermuda High and reduced easterly trade winds, allowing the sea surface waters to warm to record levels.
The presence of El Niño may weaken storms, but the warm Atlantic temperatures could counteract it.
There is a 25% chance of a major East Coast hit from a hurricane this season.