Hurricane Season Could Be Worse Than Expected With More Storms Than Previously Predicted
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an update on Wednesday for the Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook, which included an increased number of expected named storms and hurricanes from the May predictions.
According to a news release from the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, forecasters are predicting that there will be 15 to 21 named storms, which are categorized as having wind speeds of 39 mph or greater, and seven to 10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater).
Of the seven to 10 possible hurricanes, the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is forecasting that three to five of them could become category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher.
"NOAA scientists predict that the likelihood of an above-normal 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is 65%. There is a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season," NOAA's Climate Prediction Center said in the news release.
Prior to the start of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, in May, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicted that there would be 13 to 20 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes, indicating an increase in Wednesday's update.
In May, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center also forecasted that there was a 60 percent chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season and a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season.
There have already been five named storms this season and the recent update notes that these storms are included in the mid-season outlook.
"After a record-setting start, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season does not show any signs of relenting as it enters the peak months ahead," Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA administrator, said in the release. "NOAA will continue to provide the science and services that are foundational to keeping communities prepared for any threatening storm." |
