2024 Is One the Busiest Atlantic Hurricane Seasons

Up to 13 Hurricanes Expected

This year is anticipated to be one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons, with 17 to 25 systems expected to develop into tropical storms and as many as 13 becoming hurricanes of category one or higher, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of 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 favour tropical storm formation,” shared NOAA Climate Prediction Centre in the United States on May 23.

NOAA forecasts seventeen to twenty-five total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, eight to thirteen are predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).

“Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges,” the US weather agency added.

The NOAA statement warned that “severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today.”

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth most active on record, matching the intensity of 1933, with twenty named storms forming.

Among these, seven developed into hurricanes, and three reached major hurricane strength.

The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30.