The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a dire warning about the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, predicting between 17 to 25 named tropical cyclones, the most ever forecasted in May. This staggering number of storms is a cause for concern among experts, with many forecasts predicting well over 20 named storms this season. The NOAA forecast indicates that eight to 13 of the named storms could become hurricanes, with four to seven potentially reaching major hurricane status.
Conditions in the Atlantic Ocean are ripe for an above-normal hurricane season, with an 85 percent chance of that occurring. The warm ocean temperatures in the region, combined with the potential formation of a La Niña weather pattern, are leading experts to anticipate an exceptionally active season. The warm temperatures can provide additional fuel for developing storms and sustain their intensity.
The likelihood of a La Niña forming during the peak of hurricane season is also adding to the confidence in the forecasts. The weakening El Niño pattern is expected to have little effect on storm development this season, increasing the probability of a high number of storms.
Experts are concerned by the unprecedented conditions expected this season, with temperatures in the Atlantic already abnormally warm just ahead of the official start on June 1. The potential for rapid intensification of storms, fueled by warm ocean temperatures, is a major concern for forecasters as they prepare for what could be a hyperactive hurricane season.
Source
Photo credit www.nytimes.com