Hey everyone! 🌎 Get your umbrellas and safety kits ready, because weather experts are predicting an \"extremely active\" Atlantic hurricane season for 2024! 🌪️
According to the latest forecast from Colorado State University (CSU) on Thursday, warm sea surface temperatures and less wind shear (which usually helps break up storms) are setting the stage for a whirlwind season ahead. CSU is forecasting a whopping 23 named storms, with 11 turning into hurricanes. Out of these, 5 are expected to be major hurricanes with winds over 111 miles per hour (that's 178 kph for our metric amigos).
But what does this mean for us? Coastal communities and energy hubs are on high alert. The Gulf of Mexico isn't just about beautiful beaches; it's a powerhouse accounting for 15% of U.S. crude oil production and nearly half of the nation's oil-refining capacity. 🌊⚡
\"We anticipate a well above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,\" CSU mentioned. And if CSU's predictions weren't enough, AccuWeather is on the same page, suggesting there's a 10-15% chance of 30 or more named storms this season.
Phil Klotzbach, the lead author of the CSU forecast, says 2024 is shaping up to be similar to some of the most active hurricane seasons we've seen. With the predicted end of the El Niño weather pattern, which usually brings high winds that disrupt storms, the Atlantic waters are primed for cyclone activity.
Last year was intense, too! Remember Hurricane Idalia? 🌀 It tore up the west coast of Florida, making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. This year, the stakes are even higher.
The hurricane season officially kicks off on June 1st and runs through November 30th, so mark your calendars! 📆 An average season produces about 14 named storms, but as we've seen, Mother Nature can be full of surprises.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: being prepared is the best way to stay safe. Let's hope for the best but get ready for whatever comes our way! 💪🌍
Reference(s):
Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ Atlantic hurricane season
cgtn.com
