This year is expected to be the fifth that the Atlantic basin can expect 'above normal' tropical activity as it heads into hurricane season, according to a forecast released this week.

Meteorologist from Accuweather, including top forecaster Dan Kottlowksi, are anticipating between 14 to 18 storms during the season this year.

Seven to nine of those storms could be hurricanes, with two to four expected to become major hurricanes.

Meteorologist from Accuweather , including top forecaster Dan Kottlowksi, are anticipating between 14 to 18 storms during the season this year. Seven to nine of those storms could be hurricanes, with two to four expected to become major hurricanes

'It's going to be an above-normal season,' Kottlowski said. 'On a normal year, we have around 12 storms, six hurricanes and roughly three major hurricanes.'

Hurricane season typically lasts from June 1 through November 30.

2019's hurricane season marked the fourth consecutive year of above average activity in the Atlantic basin. The season tied with 1969 as the fourth worst hurricane season on record.

The 2019 season included 18 storms throughout the period, including hurricane Dorian, and caused some $11billion in damage.

'It's going to be an above-normal season,' Kottlowski said. 'On a normal year, we have around 12 storms, six hurricanes and roughly three major hurricanes'

2019's hurricane season marked the fourth consecutive year of above average activity in the Atlantic basin. Hurricane Dorian in 2019

Forecasters used analog years - years with comparable weather conditions - to determine the activity that would come from the 2020 hurricane season.

Meteorologists used 1980 and 2005 for their analog years for this season, with Kottlowski noting that the 2005 season was an 'hyperactive year.'

Hurricane Katrina notably was the most devastating storm of that season, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,800 people and almost destroyed New Orleans.

Both hurricanes Wilma and Rita also took place in the 2005 season.

Meteorologists used 1980 and 2005 for their analog years for this season, with Kottlowski noting that the 2005 season was an 'hyperactive year.' Hurricane Katrina's impact in New Orleans

The 2019 season included 18 storms throughout the period and caused $11billion in damage. Hurricane Dorian

'There are a number of analog years we looked at that certainly show high-impact storms affecting the United States,' Kottlowski added.

Forecasters are expecting between two to four of the storms to have some form of impact on the United States.

'These could be direct hits or a storm scraping the coast but still causing impacts,' the meteorologist said.

Meteorologists have already began looking over water temperatures in the Caribbean, noting that they have already hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit in late March.

'Warm water is actually what drives a lot of seasons,' Kottlowski said. 'So those will be areas to keep an eye on for early-season development.'