2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Above-Average Activity Expected with Warmer Atlantic Waters and Developing El Niño

Introduction:

The Atlantic Hurricane Season is a time of high alert for those living in coastal communities along the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast. The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is predicted to be slightly above average, with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. This article explores the factors that will influence the season, including the warmer Atlantic waters and developing El Niño, and provides tips to prepare for potential impacts.

2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook:

The new outlook from The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2 predicts slightly above-average activity for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This forecast includes an increase of one named storm, one hurricane, and one major hurricane since their previous outlook. The season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the third storm of the season typically arrives in early August.

Factors Influencing the 2023 Hurricane Season:

Warmer Atlantic Waters:

The Atlantic Ocean is currently very warm, with temperatures at such warmth that it feels more like August than June. Hurricane season generally begins when water temperatures reach the rough threshold of 80 degrees, which usually occurs between June 1 and November 30. If other factors are equal, the deeper and warmer the ocean water is, the stronger a hurricane can become. The warmer-than-average waters have created a bridge across the Atlantic that systems are already forecast to be able to cross, which will open up the opportunity for additional tropical wave development this season.

Developing El Niño:

Another significant factor in this year’s hurricane season is the development of El Niño. Pacific equatorial waters had been cooler than average during the past three hurricane seasons, but that long-lasting La Niña finally disappeared, and this patch of water is now warming rapidly. An El Niño has been declared and could become strong by the heart of the hurricane season: August through October.

Impact of El Niño on Hurricane Season:

El Niño hurricane seasons often see stronger shearing winds over at least the Caribbean Sea and some adjacent parts of the Atlantic Basin. This tends to limit the number and intensity of storms and hurricanes, especially if the El Niño is stronger. The AG2 forecast team also noted a tendency in El Niño hurricane seasons for fewer Gulf of Mexico storms and more storms to either curl north, then northeast out into the open Atlantic Ocean, or to impact parts of the East Coast.

Preparing for the 2023 Hurricane Season:

Importance of Preparedness:

It is essential to prepare for hurricane season, as even a single storm can be destructive or devastating. In 2015, one of the strongest El Niños on record reduced the hurricane tally to four that season. However, one of those was Joaquin, which devastated the central Bahamas. Additionally, it doesn’t take a hurricane to be impactful, especially regarding rainfall flooding. Tropical Storm Erika was ripped apart by wind shear and dry air near the Dominican Republic in 2015. But before that happened, it triggered deadly and destructive flooding in Dominica.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips:

To prepare for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, it is important to stay informed about hurricane preparedness and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property. Some practical tips include developing an emergency plan, creating an emergency kit, securing your home, and having a plan for evacuation.

Conclusion:

While the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is predicted to have above-average activity, the factors that influence the season are unpredictable. The warmer Atlantic waters and developing El Niño could make this season more dangerous and impact the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast. It is crucial to be prepared and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property. Stay informed about hurricane preparedness and take the necessary steps to stay safe during the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

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FAQs

Q: What are the worst months of hurricane season?
A: The worst months of hurricane season are typically August, September, and October.

Q: What causes a hurricane?
A: A hurricane is caused by a combination of warm water, moisture in the atmosphere, and converging winds.

Q: What is the strongest hurricane season?
A: The strongest hurricane season on record was the 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which produced 28 named storms, including Hurricane Katrina.

Q: What is the difference between a hurricane and a cyclone?
A: There is no difference between a hurricane and a cyclone. They are both tropical storms with winds reaching a minimum sustained speed of 74 miles per hour.

Q: Are hurricanes stronger than cyclones?
A: No, hurricanes and cyclones are both tropical storms with similar wind speeds. The difference in name depends on where the storm occurs.

Q: Where do hurricanes form?
A: Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, typically in the Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico.

Q: Where do hurricanes hit most in the world?
A: The Caribbean and the southeastern United States are the regions that are most frequently hit by hurricanes.

Q: Where do hurricanes occur the most on Earth?
A: Hurricanes occur most frequently in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

Q: What is the fuel for a hurricane?
A: The fuel for a hurricane is warm ocean water and moist air.

Q: How powerful is a hurricane?
A: Hurricanes can be incredibly powerful, with wind speeds that can exceed 150 miles per hour and storm surges that can cause catastrophic damage.

Q: Where do most hurricanes start?
A: Most hurricanes start over warm ocean waters near the equator, typically in the Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico.

Q: What are the effects of hurricanes?
A: The effects of hurricanes can include high winds, heavy rain, storm surges, flooding, and landslides, which can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Q: How can we prevent hurricanes?
A: We cannot prevent hurricanes, but we can take steps to prepare for them and minimize their impact.

Q: How do you stay safe in a hurricane?
A: To stay safe in a hurricane, follow evacuation orders, stay indoors during the storm, and avoid flooded areas.

Q: What is hurricane eye?
A: The hurricane eye is the calm center of a hurricane, surrounded by the eyewall where the strongest winds and heaviest rain occur.

Q: What is the synonym of hurricane?
A: Synonyms for hurricane include typhoon, cyclone, tropical storm, and tempest.

Q: Can you fly through a hurricane?
A: It is possible to fly through a hurricane, but it is dangerous and can only be done by highly trained pilots using specialized aircraft.

Q: How big is a hurricane?
A: The size of a hurricane can vary greatly, from small storms with a diameter of less than 100 miles to large storms that can be over 600 miles wide.

Q: What is the biggest hurricane in Earth?
A: The biggest hurricane on record was Typhoon Tip, which occurred in the western Pacific Ocean in 1979 and had a diameter of over 1,380 miles.

Q: How fast is a hurricane?
A: The speed of a hurricane can vary, but it typically moves at a speed of 10 to 20 miles per hour.

Q: What is inside a hurricane?
A: Inside a hurricane, there is a central eye surrounded by an eyewall, which contains the strongest winds and heaviest rain. The outer bands of the hurricane contain weaker winds and lighter rain.

Q: What is the strongest part of a hurricane?
A: The strongest part of a hurricane is the eyewall, which contains the strongest winds and heaviest rain.

Q: What is the safest part of a hurricane?
A: The safest part of a hurricane is indoors, away from windows and doors, and in a room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

Q: Why is it called a hurricane?
A: The term “hurricane” comes from the Taino Native American word “huracan,” which referred to a god of evil or storm.