Experts Warn of Potentially Devastating Storm Season in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The 2024 hurricane season is shaping up to be one for the record books according to forecasters at Colorado State University. Who released their initial outlook this week. Their sobering prediction calls for 23 named storms during the upcoming 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Well above the 30-year average of 14.5 storms.
With ocean temperatures running much warmer than normal across the tropical Atlantic. And a transition from El Niño to La Niña expected, conditions will be highly conducive for storm formation. “We anticipate a well above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” the forecast team warned.
Unusually Warm Waters to Fuel Storm Development
Record-breaking ocean heat has been building across the Atlantic basin for over a year now, priming the environment for storms. “If other factors are equal, the deeper and warmer ocean water is, the stronger a hurricane can become,” . Said Brian McNoldy, a University of Miami tropical scientist. With water temperatures in March topping out at the highest levels on record for that time of year. The stage is set for an explosive 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Colorado State University is predicting a staggering 11 hurricanes could form, including 5 major (Category 3 or stronger) storms. If 23 name storms do indeed materialize, the seasonal list of names may be exhausted. Requiring the use of an alternate naming scheme like the Greek alphabet was in 2020. With above-average impacts looking likely, now is the time for residents and visitors to prepare.
