At least 12 named storms are predicted to occur in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA says

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday that they expect the 2023 hurricane season to be “close to normal” with at least 12 named storms.

NOAA said it expected 12 to 17 named storms and 5 to 9 hurricanes this year, including 1 to 4 major hurricanes.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. When a tropical cyclone reaches maximum wind speeds of 39 mph or more, it is considered and named a tropical cyclone.Tropical cyclone become a hurricane A large Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane is even more powerful if sustained winds reach at least 114 mph.

Scientists argue that climate change due to the burning of fossil fuels is resulting in rising sea temperatures and other atmospheric conditions, which intensifies hurricanes.

Occurring during the 2022 hurricane season 14 named storms, including eight hurricanes and two major hurricanes.according to NOAAthe average hurricane season consists of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

Although the number of storms last year was about average, the intensity of those storms was very destructive. With just one storm, Hurricane IanAfter making landfall in southwestern Florida on September 28 as a Category 4, it killed 150 people and caused more than $112 billion in damage. Hurricanes that caused the most damage It’s the third most expensive expense in U.S. history, in Florida’s history.

The researchers El Nino will hit this summer Hurricane season could weaken. El Niño and La Niña are naturally occurring weather patterns in the Pacific that can affect weather forecasts around the world. An El Niño event could mean warmer waters off the west coast, more storm activity in the Pacific, and less hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

Officials touted enhancements to NOAA’s operational regime, predicting it’s expected to save lives this hurricane season.

The National Weather Service provides real-time updates on hurricane preparedness and the ongoing weather system. www.hurricanes.gov.