NOAA's update to the 2023 outlook — which covers the entire six-month hurricane season that ends on Nov. 30 — calls for 14-21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 6-11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). Of those, 2-5 could become major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which spanned from June to November, defied initial "near-average" predictions to become an above-average and highly active season. Forecasters were initially challenged by the competing forces of a strong El Niño—which typically suppresses storms—and record-breaking warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, which fuel them. The season ultimately produced 20 named storms, the fourth-highest total since 1950. Of these, seven became hurricanes and three reached "major hurricane" status (Category 3 or higher). The standout storm of the summer was Hurricane Idalia, which made a historic and destructive landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a Category 3 hurricane in late August, bringing record storm surges. Another notable storm was Hurricane Lee, which underwent "extreme rapid intensification" to become a Category 5 in the open Atlantic. Despite the high number of storms, many were "fish storms" that stayed out at sea, but the 2023 season is remembered as a prime example of how extreme ocean heat can override the traditional dampening effects of El Niño.