Before you start jumping for joy, Dr. Philip Klotzbach with Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science explains:
“We’re predicting a slightly below normal Atlantic Hurricane Season. The average season has 14 named storms, of those 14, seven becoming hurricanes and three becoming major hurricanes. This year, we’re forecasting slightly before normal conditions. So 13 storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.”
Dr. Klotzbach says the reason for the slightly below normal count is the presence of El Niño current.
“An El Niño is warmer than normal water in the eastern and central tropical Pacific Ocean. When that occurs it tends to increase winds high up in the atmosphere in the Atlantic, say 20-to-30 thousand feet, to tear apart hurricanes as they’re trying to develop and intensify.”
Dr. Klotzbach reminds people these predictions are an informational tool, not a preparedness tool. The Atlantic Hurricane season could be decidedly different from climate predictions and averages and if you live near the water you are urged to have adequate storm preparedness plans ready to go into action at a moment’s notice.
