Scientists Predict an âAbove Normalâ Atlantic Hurricane Season The forecast, which follows a record season in 2020, arrives as hurricanes are becoming more destructive over time. Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans as Hurricane Zeta approached in October. There were so many named storms last year, NOAA had to use Greek letters to name some.Credit...Edmund D. Fountain for The New York Times May 20, 2021Updated 3:15 p.m. ET Federal scientists on Thursday forecast that 2021 could see in the range of 13 to 20 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher in the Atlantic. Ben Friedman, the acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said, âan above-normal season is most likely.â