The 2013 hurricane season in the United States is expected to be more active than in the past.

A report released by a research team at Colorado State University shows that the possibility of a major hurricane hitting the U.S. will increase by 70 percent this year compared to 2012.

The report showed that 18 named storms, including nine hurricanes, will develop in the Atlantic this year. This is more than the average of 12 named storms per year.

Chances of a major hurricane strike in the U.S. are projected at 72 percent in 2013, up from an average of 52 percent in past years.

The report explained that this is due to high water temperatures in the Atlantic over the past few months.