Well, the predictions are in. From the same people who can’t give a 5-day forecast with any credibility comes the prediction of doom and gloom for hurricane season. Yes, NOAA, is predicting the worst season to hit in years… since, say when Katrina hit? They are saying we could have 23 named storms this year and seven of those are going to be nasty baddies.

Here is their words:

Hurricane season for the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30. That’s when about 90 percent of the storms make themselves present, and the predictions for this season are grim — which could wreak further havoc on the Gulf Coast.

NOAA’s forecast predicts as many as 23 named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, with three to seven becoming serious enough to be classified as major hurricanes. Named storms come with top winds of 39 mph or higher. The agency worries that as many as 14 could turn into hurricanes, with winds in excess of 74 mph, and three to seven could be Category 3, 4 or 5 storms with winds of at least 111 mph.

“If this outlook holds true, this season could be one of the more active on record,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “The greater likelihood of storms brings an increased risk of a landfall. In short, we urge everyone to be prepared.

Just say “no” when it comes to these predictions. It’s a crap shoot. They might be right, but I’m not going to lay in bed at night worrying about it. This is just their way to make headlines as we approach hurricane season. Remember, the media is prone to report this stuff. They survive off of doom and gloom. That is how they get us to watch their programs.

Now, here is the kicker. If they are right, and we do get 23 named hurricanes and 7 nasty baddies, just remember one thing: “It’s George Bush’s fault!”