Hurricane season in the Atlantic generates alert for citizens

The weather forecast, released this Thursday (4), by meteorologists from the University of Colorado warns of an “extremely active” hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean this year 2024. The formation of 23 named storms is therefore expected , including 11 hurricanes, 5 of which could be major with winds above 178 km/h.

Factors such as warm sea surface temperatures and lower wind intensity, which are unable to disperse the strongest storms, contribute to the scenario. This forecast from Colorado State University (CSU) is closely monitored by coastal communities and energy companies, especially in the Gulf of Mexico, a strategic region for US oil and natural gas production.

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_{Hurricane in the coastal area (Photo: Reproduction/Tony Arruza/Getty Images Embed)}

The likelihood of major hurricanes hitting the continental U.S. coast and the Caribbean is above average, according to CSU. The average hurricane season sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 end up becoming major cyclones. In 2023, there were 20 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes, with emphasis on the Idalia gale that hit the west coast of Florida and caused considerable damage.

The end of El Niño

Phil Klotzbach, lead author of the CSU forecast, highlights that 2024 has similarities with other highly intense hurricane seasons. Above-average sea temperatures, which make hurricanes more robust, and the end of El Niño, which, by bringing strong winds, dispersed storms, have become the main factors contributing to the current less than encouraging forecast.

Extra care

The Colorado State University team says, at this point, that it will update its forecasts as soon as the official hurricane season begins. It also intends to provide alerts with more important details, so that coastal communities can better prepare themselves for possible setbacks, reviewing their evacuation plans in advance and stocking up on supplies as much as possible.

Featured Photo: hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico (Photo: Reproduction/Frank Ramspott/Getty Images Embed)