The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a US national weather forecaster has issued an alert of above normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin this year.
According to NOAA, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, will span from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.
NOAA predicts that there will be between 17 to 25 storms with winds estimated to have a speed of 39 miles per hour (MPH), during the upcoming season.
Among them, 8 to 13 are expected to intensify into hurricanes with winds of 74MPH or higher, with 4 to 7 potentially reaching major hurricane status. The national weather forecaster expresses a 70 % confidence in these estimates.
Abnormal Hurricane
According to NOAA, this situation is due to certain factors including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions that cause warmer temperatures than normal in the South and cooler than normal in North pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear.
Consequently, the above factors tend to favor the formation of storms.
NOAA’s Administrator Rick Spinrad said the weather forecaster is committed to make sure that every American is informed with life-saving information.
‘“With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering,” said Rick.
Also Read: Weatherman Predicts End Date for Tropical Storm IALY
Additionally, NOAA has enabled it’s AI language translations and a new depiction of Inland Wind threats in the forecast as steps to meet their missions of saving lives and protecting property.
Likewise, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has urged individuals and communities to remain prepared as severe weather emergencies could happen any time.
“Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow,” said FEMA Deputy administrator Erika Hooks.
Following the alert by NOAA, White House asked Americans to stay safe during the hurricane season.
“Our Administration is reminding Americans to take steps to plan, prepare, and better protect their families and their homes.
We’re committed to keeping communities safe from these disasters, which are intensifying due to the climate crisis,” said White House in a statement.
Impacts of IALY Cyclone on The Kenyan Coast
The announcement came days after the Kenyan Coast was hit by IALY cyclone which had waves of 1.5 to 3.6 meters. Extremely strong winds were reported in various coastal areas of the coastal region due to Tropical Storm IALY.
As of May 22, at 3:16 p.m. EAT, IALY has dissipated, with the system filling up during the day. It will be remembered as the most northerly Tropical Cyclone, reaching 4.7°S. At its last observation, IALY had maximum winds of 55 km/h (averaged over 10 minutes) and maximum gusts of 75 km/h, with an estimated pressure at the center of 1002 hPa,” said the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Also Read: Schools Closed After Storm IALY Hit Kenyan Coast
Meanwhile, several countries bordering the Kenyan coast Somalia and Tanzania, also encountered the storm.
Moreover, in neighboring Tanzania, the Meteorological Authority had issued a warning that Cyclone Ialy was intensifying from a moderate to a severe tropical storm. It was approximately 500 kilometers away from the city of Dar es Salaam at 5:38 am on Monday, May 20th.
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