NOAA Predicting ‘Extremely Active’ Hurricane Season In Updated Forecast

August 7, 2020

Atmospheric and oceanic conditions are primed to fuel storm development in the Atlantic, leading to what could be an “extremely active” season, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

Thursday, the agency released its annual August update to the Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, initially issued in May.

The updated outlook calls for 19-25 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 7-11 will become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), including 3-6 major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). This update covers the entire six-month hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30, and includes the nine named storms to date.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been off to a rapid pace with a record-setting nine named storms so far and has the potential to be one of the busiest on record. Historically, only two named storms form on average by early August, and the ninth named storm typically does not form until October 4. An average season produces 12 named storms, including six hurricanes of which three become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5).

“This is one of the most active seasonal forecasts that NOAA has produced in its 22-year history of hurricane outlooks. NOAA will continue to provide the best possible science and service to communities across the Nation for the remainder of hurricane season to ensure public readiness and safety,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “We encourage all Americans to do their part by getting prepared, remaining vigilant, and being ready to take action when necessary.”

Comments

3 Responses to “NOAA Predicting ‘Extremely Active’ Hurricane Season In Updated Forecast”

  1. Emily on August 7th, 2020 3:49 pm

    I really wish they would come up with some better names ☺️.

  2. Alan on August 7th, 2020 8:35 am

    I have never been a fan of the term “Hurricane Season” and the name “National Hurricane Center” because they imply everything being talked about is a Hurricane when the majority of Tropical Cyclones will be short lived Tropical Depressions (23-39mph) and Named Tropical Storms (40-73mph).

    Tropical Cyclone Season and National Cyclone Center would be much more accurate.

  3. DLo on August 7th, 2020 8:20 am

    This prediction and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News