The forecasters at Colorado State University’s Tropical Weather and Climate Research department predict a busier than average 2022 hurricane season for the Atlantic basin, including the Gulf of Mexico. The season could spawn 19 named storms with nine of those turning into hurricanes and four becoming major hurricanes.
To be named, a storm must have wind speeds of 39 mph or higher with a circular rotational pattern. Hurricanes are named storms with winds of 74 mph or higher while a major hurricane is considered one that ranks as a category 3, 4 or 5 storm with wind speeds beginning at 111 mph.
Forecasters anticipate that with increased water surface temperatures in the Caribbean and subtropical Atlantic seas, there is an above-average chance of major hurricanes making landfall along the southern U.S. and in the Caribbean.
The forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center are predicting yet another busier-than-average Atlantic hurricane season, with the possibility of 13-20 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes and three to five major hurricanes classified as Category 3, 4 or 5.
To be named, a storm must have wind speeds of 39 mph or higher with a circular rotational pattern. Hurricanes are named storms with winds of 74 mph or higher, while a major hurricane is considered one that ranks as a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm with wind speeds of 111 mph or higher.
NOAA forecasters also predict a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. Reasons for the predictions include above-average ocean surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean, no El Nino conditions to suppress hurricane formation and a possible return of La Nina conditions later in the season.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
