The 2024 North Atlantic hurricane season, scheduled to begin next week, is expected to be exceptional, with four to seven Category 3 or higher hurricanes possible, according to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“This season promises to be exceptional,” NOAA head Rick Spinrad warned Thursday at a news conference. Taking into account all major storms, the agency never expected such a large number during its forecast in May, he added.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that these forecasts are particularly related to the expected development of the “La Nina” weather phenomenon in the near future, in addition to very high temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean.
In total, between 17 and 25 named storms (with winds greater than 63 km/h) could develop, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Among them, between eight and thirteen could become hurricanes (more than 119 km/h), including between four and seven of Category 3 or greater (178 km/h).
Ken Graham, director of the US National Weather Service (NWS), said that these forecasts “are certainly cause for concern, but there is no need to worry,” calling on Americans to prepare in advance for the possibility of a storm arriving.
The hurricane season in the North Atlantic extends from early June to late November.
These hurricanes can be physically devastating and in terms of danger to human life, especially in the southern United States.
In 2022, Hurricane Ian hit Florida with extreme force, killing dozens of people and causing more than $100 billion in damage alone.
Expect
In general, with global warming, hurricanes are becoming more powerful, fueled by warmer ocean surfaces, scientists say.
The latter warns that exceptional heat will accumulate in the Atlantic Ocean for several months, which will also harm coral reefs.
The meteorological phenomenon “La Nina” is developing in the Pacific Ocean but has consequences for the entire planet. Overall, it has the effect of fueling a more intense hurricane season in the Atlantic.
Rick Spinrad said the chance of La Niña occurring is 77% between August and October.
The opposite phenomenon, the El Niño phenomenon, was present last year and tended to moderate hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Ocean.
“Before hurricane season officially begins, my message to Americans is: Take time to think about your unique risks,” said Eric Hooks, deputy administrator of the Federal Natural Disaster Response Agency.
“Do you have any medications that need to be kept cool? Medical devices that require electricity? Mobility issues that would make the evacuation more complicated?” “Now is the time to ask yourself these questions, understand the risks, and put the plan into action.”
