Buckle up, East Coast! This summer might be one wild ride. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricane season might be more active than normal. If these predictions ring true, it’ll be a massive shift from the relatively calm summer of 2023. While cities and states have yet to be named, the NOAA has already compiled a large list of hurricanes that might make landfall this summer.
According to the official NOAA website, 17 to 25 named storms are expected to reach at least 39 mph wind speeds. Eight to 13 of these are expected to be hurricanes (74+ mph winds), with 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3-5, winds 111 mph+). The NOAA says this increase in activity is due to multiple factors: almost record-breaking warm ocean temperatures, La Niña conditions in the Pacific, and a significant decrease in Atlantic trade winds and wind shear.
NBC Miami defines La Niña conditions as when water is cooler and less air rises. Together, these factors can increase the chances of winds in the Atlantic basin, meaning the risk of a hurricane significantly increases. Compared to the El Niño hurricane season of 2023, which produced wind shears that deterred Atlantic storm formation, this could lead to a change in pace.
Wanting all of America to be prepared for anything and everything, the NOAA is taking steps to ensure essential information reaches everyone. Later in the season, it is expected that there will be more Spanish-language products as well as an enhanced forecast cone. The NOAA states that this forecast cone will include depictions of inland tropical storms, hurricane watches, and hurricane warnings. Not overly complicated and easy to communicate with, the forecast cone ensures that people don’t need to be weather experts to understand what may occur.
Hurricane season, which usually spans from June to November, is a stressful time of year, especially for anyone living on or near the ocean. But that doesn’t mean we have to freak out and barricade ourselves in the basement right this minute. To stay safe, be smart: make preparations and contingency plans and keep a close eye on the news. The NOAA is taking all necessary steps to not let us down.
