Source: The Weather Channel
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasters are predicting an above-average hurricane season this year thanks to an ongoing La Niña, above-average Atlantic temperatures, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon.
According to NOAA, this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below normal season.
“Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climate-ready,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “Throughout the hurricane season, NOAA experts will work around-the-clock to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that communities in the path of storms can depend on to stay informed.”
NOAA is forecasting 14 to 21 named storms for the 2022 hurricane season, including 6 to 10 hurricanes (74 mph or higher) and 3 to 6 major hurricanes (111mph or higher).
“As we reflect on another potentially busy hurricane season, past storms — such as Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the New York metro area ten years ago — remind us that the impact of one storm can be felt for years,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “Since Sandy, NOAA’s forecasting accuracy has continued to improve, allowing us to better predict the impacts of major hurricanes to lives and livelihoods.”