SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - The Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun. Today, June 1, marks the conventional start of the season, when conditions become more favorable for hurricane development.

On May 22, experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their first forecast for the season. They predict that 13-19 tropical storms will form, including 6-10 hurricanes. Of those, they predict 3-5 will become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). NOAA gives a 60% chance of a season with more activity than normal, a 30% chance of near-average activity, and a 10% chance of a quieter season.

Meanwhile, scientists led by Dr. Phil Klotzbach at Colorado State University, who release seasonal forecasts every April, also predict a season with above-average activ

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