How many hurricanes will there be in 2024? NOAA predicts ‘extraordinary’ season
NOAA has released its prediction for the 2024 hurricane season. Find out how many of these storms the country can expect and how long the season will last.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published its predictions for the Atlantic hurricane season, which will begin next week on June 1 .
According to the NOAA report, an “extraordinary” season is expected in 2024, with an above-average number of hurricanes set to pass through the country. Typically, a hurricane season in the Atlantic sees seven regular hurricanes and three major ones; that is, categories 3,4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. However, a figure above the typical is expected this year.
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How many hurricanes will there be in 2024?
According to the forecast, due to the La Niña phenomenon and warm ocean temperatures, a season with up to 13 hurricanes is expected, of which seven could be category 3 or higher. As for storms, the weather agency predicts an average of between 17 and 25 phenomena with winds above 39 miles per hour. The categories of hurricanes are defined as follows:
- Category 1: 74-95 mph
- Category 2: 96-110 mph
- Category 3: 111-129 mph
- Category 4: 130-156 mph
- Category 5: 157 or more mph
“This season will be extraordinary in many ways. (...) It is noteworthy that the forecast for named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes is the highest NOAA has ever issued for the May outlook”, said NOAA Administrator, Dr. Rick Spinrad, through a statement.
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How long will hurricane season last?
The first named storm usually forms between mid- to late June, while the first hurricane tends to form in early to mid-August. The first major hurricane forms late August or early September. Hurricane season is expected to extend through November 30.
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In addition to an extraordinary hurricane season, NOAA also warned of an above-normal West African monsoon. A monsoon is a seasonal wind that can generate more powerful Atlantic storms.