The forecast intensity has increased now indicating 20 tropical storms, 10 hurricanes and 4 intense hurricanes. The season is projected as the busiest since 2010 and 2012. The accumulated cyclone energy index is raised to 149. Several hurricanes are forecast to affect the Gulf of Mexico, at least one making landfall in the Carolinas and several developing near the Bahamas but staying offshore.

Important to seasonal prediction of North Atlantic tropical cyclone activity is the evolution in recent years of the North Atlantic Warm Hole and the attendant upper air pattern. During the tropical cyclone season a persistent upper level trough has formed in the cooler atmosphere across the NAWH compensated for by a persistent upper ridge over Quebec (and vicinity). When the upper ridge is present as tropical cyclones go inland the U.S. coastline storms slow down and produce excessive rainfall similar to Harvey (2017), Florence (2018) and Imelda (2019). A similar dynamic is expected for AUG/SEP 2020.

Global SSTA models are forecasting a major contrast between ocean surface temperatures across the eastern equatorial Pacific (cool) versus the far western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans (warmer). The contrasting ocean temperatures lead to stronger trade winds across the eastern Pacific tropics possibly increasing La Nina strength and duration.

NOAA/NHC issues their 2020 North Atlantic basin tropical cyclone activity forecast. The outlook indicates above normal activity similar to forecasts issued in early April by other leading (market) providers. The seasonal forecast indicates 13-19 tropical storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes.