Forecasts suggest a near-average hurricane season this year, with up to 16 named storms.

The American-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a 40 per cent chance of a near-normal hurricane season.

The organisation estimated there is a 35 per cent chance of an above-normal season, with a 20 per cent chance of a below normal season.

Between ten and 16 named storms are expected between June 1 and November 30.

Of those, between five and nine are expected to reach hurricane strength, and between one and four becoming major hurricanes. On average the Atlantic experiences 12 named storms in a season, with six becoming hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

A spokesman for Noaa said: “The possibility of a weak El Niño developing, along with near-average sea surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, are two of the factors driving this outlook. These factors are set upon a backdrop of atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to hurricane development and have been producing stronger Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.”

Bermuda’s disaster preparation team will answer questions about hurricane season at a meeting on Wednesday.

IRM Bermuda Group will host the Institute of Risk Management session at Wellesley House, Hamilton, on Wednesday, two days before the beginning of the season.

Members from the National Disaster Co-ordination team within the Ministry of National Security will be on hand to advise companies and staff on preparations.

The Weather Company has predicted an average forecast for 2018, with 13 named tropical storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes of Category 3 or greater.

Topics up for discussion include:

• a review of last season and how it faired with previous ones;

• predictions for this season, based on guidance from agencies such as Colorado State and Noaa’s Climate Prediction Centre;

• a reminder of general climatology for the Atlantic hurricane season;

• updates on Noaa’s National Hurricane Centre products for the 2018 season;

• reminder of Bermuda Weather Services products including definitions of our watches/warnings and an overview of Tropical Update Bulletins.

Presenters are Steve Cosham, the national disaster co-ordinator and national events planning co-ordinator for the Ministry of National Security, and James Dodgson, the director of Bermuda Weather Service.

The event runs from 8am to 9.30am. To confirm attendance, e-mail irmbermuda@gmail.com by Monday.