MIAMI -- Federal forecasters say there is an even higher chance that this Atlantic hurricane season will be busier than normal.

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In an update released Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration now projects an 85 percent probability of an above-normal season - up from 65 percent in May.

 

The update says there is a better than average chance of 14 to 18 named storms, seven to 10 hurricanes and three to six hurricanes of at least Category 3 strength.

 

That is for the whole season that ends Nov. 30 and includes the five storms that have formed so far.

 

In May, the outlook called for 12 to 16 named storms, six to nine hurricanes and two to five major ones. An average season has 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.