An American-based meteorology group has said cool water in the Atlantic could lead to fewer tropical storms this year.

Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project team said: “The tropical Atlantic remains cooler than normal and there is a relatively high potential that a weak El Niño develops in the next several months.

“The probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean is below normal due to the forecast for a below-average season.”

The university added: “As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same, regardless of how much activity is predicted.”

The forecast, released last week, said the tropical Atlantic was “anomalously cool” and strong wind shear has been recorded over the Caribbean in the last month.

The forecast added: “The tropical Atlantic has also been very dry in July. All these conditions tend to be associated with quieter Atlantic hurricane season.

The CSU has forecast nine more named storms before the season ends in November, with three expected to become hurricanes and one a major hurricane.

The numbers do not include storms that have already been recorded this year.