The 2023 hurricane season is at the halfway mark for both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, with Pacific storms surprisingly affecting the U.S. more than the Atlantic storms so far.
With the recent tropical storms in California and Texas, attention has shifted to the second half of hurricane season in the Atlantic and Pacific. Here is what to expect for the rest of the hurricane season in both oceans, which does not end until Nov. 30.
NIKKI HALEY CLAIMED DEBATE SPOTLIGHT AMONG CROWD OF ‘SCREAMING MEN’
Atlantic
Despite the first named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Arlene, forming in May before the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the first storm to make landfall in the U.S. did not come until Aug. 22, when Tropical Storm Harold came ashore in Texas.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had originally forecast a “near-normal” season, with a 40% chance of a normal season, but it updated its forecast on Aug. 10 to a 60% chance of an “above-normal” season.
The NOAA now predicts there will be 14-21 named storms, which is a tropical storm or stronger, and 6-11 hurricanes, which are defined by having sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
“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. Considering those factors, the updated outlook calls for more activity, so we urge everyone to prepare now for the continuing season,” Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster for NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said in a statement.
There have been eight named storms and nine storms that have reached tropical storm strength in the Atlantic Basin this year.
Pacific
The central Pacific hurricane season was predicted to be “above-normal” by the NOAA in May, expecting a more active season than in recent years. The predictions posted by the NOAA showed a 50% chance of an “above-normal” season.
“The last few hurricane seasons have been pretty quiet around Hawaii, luring some folks to let their guard down. Now it’s looking like this season will be more active than the past several years,” Chris Brenchley, director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said in a statement.
So far, the season has affected the U.S. more significantly than many had anticipated, with Hawaii and California facing the brunt of storms this year.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Heavy winds from Hurricane Dora exacerbated wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, causing more than 100 deaths and widespread devastation, and much of Southern California was placed under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall with heavy rains earlier this month.
The season, which began on May 15, does not officially conclude until November 30.
