New Atlantic Hurricane Season Could Spell A Lot More Hurricanes This Year

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is almost upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is warning that more hurricanes might be expected to arrive this year as "warm Atlantic ocean temperatures and conditions related to the La Nina weather phenomenon in the Pacific" are expected to increase the number of storms coming from the Atlantic Ocean.

Last year, powerful hurricanes like Idalia punished Florida and parts of the Caribbean. More of these strong storms could be expected, with NOAA's Rick Spinrad telling France 24, "This season is looking to be an extraordinary one in a number of ways."

"The forecast for named storms -- hurricanes and major hurricanes -- is the highest NOAA has ever issued for the May outlook," the NOAA expert added. "It only takes one storm to devastate a community."

The US weather agency predicted that with these current conditions, between 17 and 25 named storms in total could develop with winds over 39 miles per hour. Around 8 to 13 of these named storms could reach hurricane strength. This is a result of human-caused climate change, which has been warming oceans and melting ice on land. The melting ice also caused sea levels to rise, and this could worsen storm surges.

"It's reason to be concerned, of course, but not alarmed," added National Weather Service director Ken Graham, urging Americans to prepare for more potential hurricanes.

La Nina Helping Atlantic Churn Out More Hurricanes This Year

As for what is making the Atlantic Hurricane Season possibly worse this year, scientists from various agencies have pointed to the weather phenomenon known as La Nina.

According to the Associated Press, meteorologists often look at ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and La Nina or El Nino is happening. Once the Atlantic Storm Season begins, there will be La Nina, which "tends to turbocharge Atlantic storm activity while depressing storminess in the Pacific."

The weather phenomenon usually adds more instability to the atmosphere, reducing high-altitude winds. However, this could seed hurricane development. Climate change is making this even more complicated as storms get their energy from hot water, and climate change is warming up the seas.

"We've never had a La Nina combined with ocean temperatures this warm in recorded history, so that's a little ominous," University of Miami tropical meteorology researcher Brian McNoldy told the AP.

Disturbance Found in the Caribbean Could Become Atlantic Hurricane Season's First Storm

Speaking of Atlantic storms, we might be getting our first one this year as the National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring a disturbance over the Northern Caribbean Islands. This was found just days before the Atlantic Hurricane Season is about to begin, per Fox Weather.

There is currently a 10% chance of development within the next two days as a more organized low-pressure system could form from it once it reaches Hispaniola, which is where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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