NOAA Increases 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
Reprinted from the National Hurricane Center website with some additions.
Scientists at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service — have increased their prediction for the ongoing 2023 Atlantic hurricane season from a near-normal level of activity to an above-normal level of activity.
Forecasters believe that current ocean and atmospheric conditions, such as record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures, are likely to counterbalance the usually limiting atmospheric conditions associated with the ongoing El Nino event.
Chances of Above Normal Season Increase from 30% to 60%
NOAA forecasters have increased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60% (increased from the outlook issued in May, which predicted a 30% chance). The likelihood of near-normal activity has decreased to 25%, down from the 40% chances outlined in May’s outlook. This new update gives the Atlantic a 15% chance of seeing a below-normal season.
Prediction for Named Storms Increase from 12-17 to 14-21
In May 2023, NOAA predicted 12-17 named storms. NOAA’s update calls for 14-21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater). Of those, 6-11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). And of those, 2-5 could become major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).
NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. These updated ranges include storms that have already formed this season.
The Atlantic basin experienced an active start to the hurricane season with five storms that have reached at least tropical storm strength, including one hurricane already. An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.
Climate Factors Influencing Predictions
“The main climate factors expected to influence the 2023 Atlantic hurricane activity are the ongoing El Nino and the warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, including record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
Considering those factors, the updated outlook calls for more activity, so NOAA urges everyone to prepare now for the continuing season.
Activity should ramp up quickly in August and September, if this season follows the pattern for the last 100 years.
El Nino conditions are currently being observed and there is a greater than 95% chance that El Nino will continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter, according to the latest ENSO discussion from the Climate Prediction Center.
El Nino usually results in atmospheric conditions that help to lessen tropical activity during the Atlantic hurricane season. So far, those limiting conditions have been slow to develop.
Climate scientists forecast that the El-Nino associated impacts that limit tropical cyclone activity may not be in place for much of the remaining hurricane season.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
A below-normal wind shear forecast, slightly below-normal Atlantic trade winds and a near- or above-normal West African Monsoon were also key factors in shaping this updated seasonal forecast.
Five Storms Already
The Atlantic basin experienced a tropical storm in January which was unnamed. Since the start of the season, we have already experienced four other storms.
More About Hurricane Season Outlooks
NOAA’s hurricane outlooks are forecasts of overall season activity, not landfalls. A storm’s landfall is usually the result of mesoscale weather patterns and are typically predictable within roughly one week of a storm approaching a landmass.
In June, NOAA deployed a new model to help produce hurricane forecasts. The Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System was put into operations on June 27 and will run alongside existing models for the 2023 season before replacing them as NOAA’s premier hurricane forecasting model.
NOAA urges everyone in vulnerable areas to have a well-thought-out hurricane plan and stay informed through official channels as this season progresses.
I bookmark the National Hurricane Center landing page and check it first thing every morning during the season. NHC expects no tropical activity in the Atlantic during the next seven days.
Reposted by Bob Rehak on 8/11/2023 from the National Hurricane Center
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