GREENSBORO, N.C. — NOAA predicts an above-average hurricane season this year, again! This is the 7th consecutive year predicted to be above average. This forecast calls for 14 to 21 named storms with 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes and 3 to 6 being major hurricanes. The ongoing La Nina pattern is a contributing factor leading to this persisting above-average. This climate pattern leads to warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Hurricane season officially begins in less than a week! As of Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) had already issued its first tropical outlook for the season on Sunday. It didn't upgrade it's strength to warrant any tropical-related watches or warnings. The NHC was watching the low that brought us active weather Monday. It had a brief history of being monitored with a 10% chance of development, but the concern quickly lowered.
Last year's hurricane season was a bit busier by this time. By May 23rd, Tropical Storm Ana was already churning in the Caribbean. The tropics are currently quiet, but we will continue to monitor the Atlantic Basin. The first name of the season would be Alex!
