This year is projected to be one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting the development of 17 to 25 tropical storms, and up to 13 of these could become hurricanes of category one or higher.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Centre indicated that the increased activity is due to a combination of factors such as near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, the onset of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, weaker Atlantic trade winds, and reduced wind shear, all of which promote tropical storm formation.
NOAA anticipates 17 to 25 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or higher). Of these, 8 to 13 are expected to develop into hurricanes (with winds of 74 mph or higher), and 4 to 7 could become major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).
The agency has a 70% confidence level in these predictions. NOAA emphasized the importance of preparedness.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was notably active, tying with the 1933 season for fourth place in terms of activity, with twenty named storms. Seven of these became hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane status.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
Comments