NOAA says 21 named storms likely.
The 2022 hurricane season between June 1 and November 30 is projected to be above average for the seventh year in a row. According to a forecast released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 14 to 21 named storms are likely, and as many as 10 could become full hurricanes (storms with winds of at least 74 miles per hour).
Of these, officials predict three to six could qualify as “major” hurricanes, or those reaching categories 3, 4, or 5, with winds of at least 111 mph. Typical seasons have about 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
NOAA attributed the increased likelihood to a number of weather patterns, particularly an ongoing Pacific La Nina, a phenomenon that lowers sea surface temperatures, which is likely to last for the rest of the season. In addition, there are above-average temperatures in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Meanwhile, a stronger West African monsoon and weaker-than-usual tropical Atlantic trade winds are also likely to increase conditions for storms, according to NOAA. Weaker winds reduce wind shear, the meteorological force that pulls gathering storms apart and reduces their strength before they make landfall.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. officials as they prepare for hurricanes season.
- For Administrator Rick Spinrad as he leads the NOAA.
Sources: The Hill, NOAA
