The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year.
There is an 85% chance that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which is from June 1 to November 30, will be above normal. NOAA is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of the named storms, eight to 13 are predicted to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. Four to seven of those are expected to be major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).
The forecast for named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes is the highest NOAA has ever issued for its May outlook, according to NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad.
The predicted above-normal activity is due to several factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation. Additionally, NOAA cites human-caused climate change as another contributing factor to the damages caused by storms. According to NOAA, “climate change is warming our ocean globally and in the Atlantic basin, and melting ice on land, leading to sea level rise, which increases the risk of storm surge. Sea level rise represents a clear human influence on the damage potential from a given hurricane.”
2024 Atlantic Storm and Hurricane Names
The names of this year’s Atlantic storms will be:
- Alberto
- Beryl
- Chris
- Debby
- Ernesto
- Francine
- Gordon
- Helene
- Isaac
- Joyce
- Kirk
- Leslie
- Milton
- Nadine
- Oscar
- Patty
- Rafael
- Sara
- Tony
- Valeria
- William
“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks in a press release. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”
