Buckle Up: 2024 Hurricane Season Predicted to Be One of the Most Active on Record

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to be a doozy. Forecasters are predicting an unusually high number of storms, with warm water temperatures and a shift in wind patterns creating a recipe for disaster.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• Record-breaking activity: The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2 predict a whopping 24 named storms, with 11 developing into hurricanes and 6 reaching Category 3 or stronger. This is well above the average and significantly higher than 2023's season.
• Increased landfalls: A high-pressure system near Bermuda is expected to nudge storms westward, putting the Caribbean and the United States at greater risk.
• Exhaustion of storm names: There's a high chance we'll run out of the usual 21 names. If that happens, a supplemental list will be used, starting with "Adria."

What's causing this hyperactive season?

• Warm ocean temperatures: The Atlantic Ocean is currently experiencing record-breaking warmth, providing fuel for storms to grow stronger.
• La Niña on the horizon: El Niño, which typically suppresses hurricane activity, is expected to transition to La Niña. La Niña creates conditions favorable for storm development by reducing wind shear and increasing atmospheric instability.

Stay Prepared

With an active season looming, it's crucial to be prepared. Here are some resources to help you get ready:

• National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Let's hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Stay informed and stay safe this hurricane season!