2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predictions

NOAA has officially released their predictions for the 2013 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season. Colorado State released theirs a few weeks ago too. They both agree that we will have a very active season!

This is because El Nino is not expected to form. If El Nino forms then we would have fewer storms thanks to an increased amount of wind shear across the tropics. If La Nina forms then we would have very little, if any, wind shear. You do not want wind shear if you want storms to develop. This year we are expected to be neutral - meaning no El Nino or La Nina. That will still lead to a low amount of wind shear, hence more names storms possible.

Also, they are expecting above average sea surface temperatures in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean. Right now, the water temperatures are in the upper 70s to lower 80s. 80° water temperature is the minimum temperature needed for a tropical system to form.

Here is a look at the specific number of named storms, hurricanes and major hurricanes each organization is forecasting this season. I also added the years that have similar weather patterns to what we are experiencing so far in 2013:

Here is a look at the storm names for 2013:

Be sure to watch the WBRZ Hurricane Special, Weathering the Storm, next week for more on what we can do to prepare for this Hurricane Season. Remember Hurricane Season starts on June 1st!

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