Forecasters warn of another busy hurricane season
Scientists predicted above-average activity for a seventh straight year, citing warm waters and La Niña.
Government forecasters predicted another above-average Atlantic hurricane season this spring, warning coastal residents to prepare for a busy year of storms as several factors aligned to favour active conditions.
The outlook called for an above-normal number of named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes, marking the seventh consecutive year that forecasters anticipated above-average activity. They cited warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, which fuel storms, along with the continuation of La Niña, which tends to reduce the wind shear that can disrupt developing hurricanes.
Seasonal forecasts describe the likely overall level of activity rather than predicting specific landfalls, which cannot be foreseen months in advance. Forecasters repeatedly stress that even a quiet season can be devastating if a single powerful storm strikes a populated area.
Officials used the forecast to urge preparation, reminding residents in vulnerable areas to review evacuation plans, assemble emergency supplies and understand their risk from surge, wind and flooding well before any storm appears on the horizon.
The run of busy seasons in recent years has coincided with a period of warm Atlantic waters and favourable atmospheric patterns. Scientists continue to study how climate change is shaping hurricane activity, with growing evidence that while the total number of storms may not rise dramatically, the proportion that become intense, and the amount of rain they drop, is increasing — raising the stakes with each new season.