Hurricane Season Expected to be Very Active
- Federal forecasters predict a highly active Atlantic hurricane season.
- Near-record sea surface temperatures and La Nina contribute to the prediction.
- Preparation and caution are advised for residents in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released an updated hurricane outlook, indicating that the current atmospheric and oceanic conditions are primed for an exceptionally active hurricane season. This season could potentially rank among the busiest on record, with the peak period approaching, historically known for significant impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms. The forecast has slightly adjusted the expected number of named storms from a range of 17 to 25 down to 17 to 24, with predictions that 8 to 13 of these storms may develop into hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes. The hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has already seen the formation of two tropical storms and two hurricanes this year. The latest, Hurricane Debby, impacted the Gulf Coast of Florida and continued to move through the Carolinas as a tropical storm. Storm names are selected from a rotating list maintained by the World Meteorological Organization, which avoids certain letters due to the scarcity of common names. Meteorologists emphasize two critical factors in assessing hurricane activity: ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and the presence of La Niña or El Niño phenomena. La Niña typically enhances Atlantic storm activity while suppressing it in the Pacific, whereas El Niño has the opposite effect. The recent end of an El Niño event, which contributed to record warm ocean temperatures, has led forecasters to anticipate the emergence of a La Niña between September and November, further influencing storm development.