Expect an Above-Average Atlantic Hurricane Season, Says Forecaster
Voice of America
National forecasters have increased their expectations of an above-average hurricane season over the Atlantic basin, according to a Wednesday briefing from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The updated seasonal outlook predicts that 15 to 21 named storms of 39 mph (63 kph) or greater will form, of which seven to 10 may become hurricanes with wind speeds of 74 mph (119 kph) or greater. Both predictions mark slight increases from the May forecast released by NOAA. NOAA also expects this season three to five major hurricanes — hurricanes whose top winds reach 111 mph (179 kph) or greater. “A mix of competing oceanic and atmospheric conditions generally favor above-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, including the potential return of La Niña in the months ahead,” said Matthew Rosencrans, a hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.Young women and their coach Dioguinho bring it in for a team huddle at the start of a football training session run by the Bola de Ouro social program, at the Complexo da Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 16, 2024. Agatha strikes a ball during a football training session run by the Bola de Ouro social program, at the Complexo da Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 16, 2024. Relatives watch a football training session for young women run by the Bola de Ouro social program at the Complexo da Alemao favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 16, 2024.
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