Nobody needs more bad news right now, but whether we like it or not, hurricane season begins in less than two months. Early awareness is what enables us to take the necessary precautions, so it’s important that we know what this year has in store. Colorado State University and AccuWeather have released their 2020 forecasts, and both agencies predict a more active than usual season in the Atlantic Basin. This could spell trouble for Texas, as at least one storm is expected to make landfall somewhere along the U.S. coast.
After a catastrophic hurricane season last year, forecasters are predicting something similar yet again. Colorado State University has forecasted tropical cyclonic activity about 140% of average.
Flickr/gsfc
Sixteen named storms are predicted for 2020, with eight expected to become hurricanes. Of those eight, four major hurricanes – that is, with sustained wind speeds of 111 miles per hour or more – are forecast.
Flickr/Yoshihide Nomura
Why is this season likely to be bad? A lack of El Nino, the ocean current responsible for vertical wind shear, is to blame. Without it, the storms have a greater chance of staying together and gaining strength.
Flickr/NOAA ESRL
When El Nino isn’t present, La Nina is. This opposing current has a tendency to increase hurricane development in the Atlantic Basin.
Wikipedia/Jesse Allen
AccuWeather recently released its 2020 hurricane forecast, as well, which predicts 14-18 named storms. Seven to nine are expected to become hurricanes, with 2-4 likely to make a U.S. landfall.
Flickr/European Space Agency
In late May, NOAA will release their predictions. Arthur will be the first named storm of the season, followed by Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay and Gonzalo.
Flickr/Jill Carlson
While these forecasts certainly aren’t infallible, they at least offer a blueprint that lets us know what level of preparedness should be taken. It’s always a good idea to have the essentials, like sandbags, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food items, on hand.
Flickr/Hefin Owen
Visit the Colorado State University and AccuWeather websites to learn more.
Flickr/gsfc
Flickr/Yoshihide Nomura
Flickr/NOAA ESRL
Wikipedia/Jesse Allen
Flickr/European Space Agency
Flickr/Jill Carlson
Flickr/Hefin Owen
What are you doing to prepare for the 2020 hurricane season? Let us know, and check out our previous article for a more cheerful natural phenomenon: 300 Million Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For Texas This Spring.
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