Early forecasts predict an active hurricane season based on the return of La Nina and historically warm water in the Atlantic.
The 2005 and 2020 hurricane seasons are tied for the most active in recorded history, with each season generating 31 tropical systems.
Experts are predicting the 2024 season, which begins June 1, to be “backloaded,” meaning La Lina may not officially develop until late summer or early fall.
“The second half of the hurricane season is likely to be very active, as conditions will be more favorable for tropical systems,” AccuWeather Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said in a February 20 release.
As of mid-February, water temperatures across the Atlantic were at the same level where they typically are in mid-July, the release states, and the temperatures may only rise as the days get longer and heat builds across the Northern Hemisphere heading into spring and summer.
The combination of building La Niña and historically warm water will lay the groundwork for a blockbuster season.
“We expect that the Gulf Coast, especially the Texas coast, will be at a higher risk for direct impacts from a tropical system this year,” Pastelok added.
