Dear Editor,
The writing has been on the wall for several months that the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be a very busy season. Several forecasters have warned that this is coming and have outlined the number of weather systems that could form during the six-month season that starts on June 1st.
What is leading to a hyperactive hurricane season? Forecasters point to the development of a La Nina during the summer months (June-July). What are El Nino and La Nina? These are climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide. Both can have global impacts on weather, wildfires, eco-systems, and economies.
These weather patterns have a timeline lasting nine to 12 months, but at times can last for years, and they occur every two to seven years on average, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service. The El Nino, however, occurs more frequently.
A La Nina weather pattern can lead to a more severe hurricane season and forecasters are saying that this is what we are looking at come June.
Various forecasters, The Weather Company, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), North Carolina State University, AccuWeather, University of Arizona, Meteo-France, and Colorado State University, have forecasted a busier-than-average year. An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major Category 3-5 systems.
The Weather Company forecast so far is the highest, with 24 named storms, 11 hurricanes and six major hurricanes.
TSR says that North Atlantic/Caribbean Sea waters are to be warmer than normal by August/September and for moderate La Nina conditions to develop.
Knowing this, and as the season gets closer, the overall message is, are you prepared?
Roddy Heyliger
