Thanks for nothing, El Nino.
The measured surface temperature in the Eastern Pacific was supposed to help deliver a below average 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season.
But the beast has been slower than predicted to take form.
That’s why we’ve already had five named storms, forcing the National Hurricane Center to increase its predictions for the year from average to above average.
Originally, the NHC figured there would be only a 30 percent chance of anything worse than a normal season.
But Thursday morning, Matthew Rosencrans – the lead seasonal forecaster for NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – gave the bad news when he predicted that the odds of an above average season would increase to 60 percent.
Record warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures probably will counteract the usually limiting atmospheric conditions associated with El Nino, he said during a broadcast news conference.
The numbers have been increased to 14-21 named storms, 6-11 hurricanes and 2-5 major hurricanes with winds greater than 111 mph.
So far, the center has registered an unnamed storm, Arlene, Bret, Cindy and Don. Next up is Emily, although the center is looking at no tropical systems for the next seven days.
Officials warn coastal residents to make sure they have a plan regardless of the forecast. They added that storms have been producing more than, causing flooding away from the actual storm.To read more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com
