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 highest ever forecasted in May. Experts from various organizations have also projected a high likelihood of 14 or more named storms. The NOAA predicts that eight to 13 named storms could become hurricanes, with four to seven major hurricanes – Category 3 or higher.
The agency notes an 85 percent chance of an above-normal season, with a 10 percent chance of near-normal and a 5 percent chance of below-normal. The warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, along with the potential formation of a La Niña weather pattern, are contributing to the aggressive outlook for this year’s hurricane season.
Experts are particularly concerned about the warm ocean temperatures providing additional fuel for storms, potentially leading to more intense and rapidly intensifying hurricanes. The combination of subsiding El Niño and the likely formation of La Niña is heightening confidence in the forecasts for a highly active hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on June 1, and experts are closely monitoring the unprecedented conditions that could lead to an exceptional number of storms forming and intensifying. The record sea surface temperatures and the potential La Niña weather pattern are expected to create an environment conducive to the development of powerful storms throughout the season.
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