Early hurricane forecast calls for more storms than ever

(CNN) – This year’s hurricane season could be one for the record books, with nearly double the average number of named storms predicted this season.

That’s according to early predictions released on Thursday by forecasters at Colorado State University.

From June to November, forecasters predict 23 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five category three or higher “major hurricanes.”

It’s the most active April forecast ever issued.

On average, there are 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, three of them major.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, climate change is to blame.

The world’s oceans are experiencing unprecedented heat, and ocean heat sets the state for more ferocious hurricanes.