The hurricane season 2018 officially kicked off this Friday, June 1st, and this year the National Hurricane Center of the United States estimates a total of between 12 and 16 storms, out of which between 5 and 9 could become hurricanes. Only four are expected to reach high categories of 3, 4 or 5.

This year we will not have the influence of El Niño in the initial months, but La Niña should not affect in the second semester, therefore storms should be less severe in comparison to 2017 when there were a total of 17 storms out of which 10 were hurricanes.

The first storm this year was named Albert, the names that will be given to the rest of the storms this year are: Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William.

The National Meteorological Institute in Costa Rica has stated that even though this year the hurricane season is not expected to be as bad as last year, the country must still take the necessary precautions since one hurricane alone that forms close to Costa Rica is enough to create emergency conditions.

It is not possible to determine with certainty if a storm or hurricane will form close to the country and when this will happen. If El Niño affects in the last trimester of the year this could diminish considerably the possibility of hurricanes.

The hurricane season is expected to conclude by November 30.