Atlantic sea surface temperatures show unprecedented warmth that may supercharge hurricane activity this year. A recent report in The Washington Post

Scientists raise concerns about 'ominous warmth' in Atlantic Ocean and how this will impact hurricane season: 'It doesn't bode well'

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2024-04-29 05:00:02

Atlantic sea surface temperatures show unprecedented warmth that may supercharge hurricane activity this year. A recent report in The Washington Post says this "ominous warmth" is cause for concern.

The heat from the Atlantic Ocean could help fuel another above-average hurricane season. Warming oceans and El Niño are adding extra energy to the ocean waters.

The Post noted that seven of the past eight hurricane seasons have been above average, and an expected shift to a La Niña pattern favors another active season. The early forecast outlook from most sources agrees that this year will see more tropical storms and hurricanes than average.

Every April, forecasters from Colorado State University, one of the most respected sources for hurricane season forecasts, issue their forecast for the upcoming season. This year, they predicted the largest number of hurricanes ever for a forecast this early in the year. Their forecast calls for 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.

The United States was struck by a record number of billion-dollar weather disasters last year that caused $92.9 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.