Atlantic Hurricane Activity Expected to Increase Significantly

Yesterday the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its mid-season update on predicted Atlantic hurricane season activity, slightly increasing the number of systems it forecasts and signaling the likelihood of a substantial increase in activity in the coming weeks. According to the updated outlook, the number of named storms is likely to be 15 to 21, including seven to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes. That’s an increase from its May prediction for 13 to 20 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes; the forecast for the number of major hurricanes was unchanged. Although the season got off to an active start with significant activity in May, June, and early July, the Atlantic has been virtually silent in recent weeks. Some forecasters believe the Atlantic will awaken around August 10 or 14, when some of the conditions that previous helped to suppress hurricane activity change. It’s also generally the time of year when hurricane activity increases. Read the outlook at NOAA and a related article at the Washington Post.