The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted a very active hurricane season for 2024. The most aggressive pre-hurricane season outlook since such forecasts began in 1999 calls for 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes and 4-7 Category 3+ hurricanes.
This prediction is driven by a combination of factors, including above-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the transition from El Nino to La Nina by the peak of the hurricane season.
The exceptionally warm waters provide more energy for storm development, while reduced wind shear associated with La Nina produces ideal atmospheric conditions for tropical systems to form and grow.
It's important to remember that these forecasts only tell you how many storms will form. They do not tell you where those storms will form, where they will track, and if they will make landfall.
Remember that it only takes one hurricane to hit us to make it a bad season. Everyone is encouraged to prepare now for the hurricane season, long before there is any threat.
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