Atlantic hurricanes may see an upward trend, predict experts.
The NOAA predicts a significantly increased number of hurricanes in the upcoming months, starting in June, with a 85% likelihood of higher-than-average hurricane activity in the Atlantic. The agency forecasts anywhere between 17 to 25 named storms throughout the summer and fall, eight to thirteen of which may become hurricanes, and four to seven of which could potentially become major ones. The average number of hurricanes during a single season in the Atlantic is usually 14 named storms, out of which seven continue to develop into hurricanes and three become major hurricanes.
The main reason for this high number of hurricanes is believed to be the record-breaking ocean temperatures, a heat level typically seen in mid-August, and the La Niña weather event. In May, ocean temperatures in the regions where hurricanes tend to form reached unprecedented highs, with both the surface and deep layers of the Atlantic experiencing record-breaking heat. A weather researcher from the University of Miami, Brian McNoldy, classified the situation as "crazy."
Hurricanes require warm water to develop, making these events more likely to occur when ocean temperatures are high. Furthermore, as highlighted by hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach from Colorado State University, climate change might be causing the strongest hurricanes to become even more intense.
Discussing these predictions, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham emphasized the need for caution and preparation without inducing panic, especially when dealing with water-related activities, as close to 90% of all hurricane-related fatalities occur on the water and are, in fact, preventable.
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- Given the record-breaking ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, researchers like Brian McNoldy from the University of Miami have expressed concern about an increase in the number and intensity of hurricanes this season.
- The NOAA's prediction of a significantly increased number of hurricanes in the Atlantic is largely attributed to the warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, mirroring conditions typically seen in mid-August.
- The La Niña weather event, combined with these record temperatures, has resulted in unprecedented heat levels in the Atlantic, potentially setting the stage for a higher-than-average number of major hurricanes in the upcoming months.
Source: www.ntv.de
