Ongoing 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season May be More Active than Normal
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipated a ‘near normal’ Atlantic hurricane season in its spring forecast. In August, however, the agency increased its outlook to “above normal.” According to the agency’s Climate Prediction Center, the Atlantic could see between 14 to 21 named storms and 6 to 11 of those could develop into hurricanes. So far this year, there have been four named storms, but the vast majority of hurricane activity happens after August 1.
Earlier in the year, meteorologists suggested that the ongoing El Niño climate patterns in the Pacific would reduce storm activity in the Atlantic, but its effects have not yet been felt in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic. In addition, record warm ocean surface temperatures are counterbalancing the potential impacts of El Niño. The warmer water fuels stronger storms.
While not all major storms will ultimately make landfall, it’s best to be prepared...