Hurricane season is about a month away and in preparation for its arrival, Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach and the experts at Colorado State University have released their predictions for the 2020 season. They have forecasted above-average weather for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1st. The experts have predicted 16 to 18 tropical storms this season with seven to nine hurricanes.
2020 Hurricane Season Predictions:
Tropical Storms: 16 to 18 (normally 12)
Hurricanes: 7 to 9 (normally 6)
Major Hurricanes: 3 to 4 (normally 2)
CSU and Klotzbach have predicted that there is a 95 percent chance at least one of those major hurricanes will hit the United States, with a 45 percent chance of a hurricane hitting Florida. The unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the lack of El Nino in the tropical Pacific Ocean is the reason for this predicted above-average hurricane season. Sea surface temperatures are one of the main components needed to fuel a hurricane. With warmer seawater, it means more fuel available for the storms to grab on to.
What is El Nino?
El Nino is a 12- to 18-month period during which abnormal or warm above-average sea surface temperatures occur in the Pacific Ocean. Moderate or strong El Nino events will occur once every three to seven years. When El Nino is present, it will reduce the Atlantic hurricane activity. This is due to increased vertical wind shear, which means changes in the wind speed, direction, and height will prevent hurricanes from building.
With this latest 2020 prediction, they have seen the slight chance of La Nina developing by late summer or early autumn.
What is La Nina?
La Nina is the opposite of El Nino and it occurs when the sea surface temperatures near the equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than average. If La Nina patterns happen in summer or fall there will be reduced wind shear in the tropical Atlantic. With the reduction of wind shear caused by La Nina, more hurricanes and tropical storms will form in the Atlantic and will be able to develop stronger. The National Weather Service says there is a 35 percent to 40 percent chance of La Nina emerging this fall.
Why Such an Early Prediction?
April is the earliest experts are able to get a good grasp on what conditions we can expect for the upcoming hurricane season. They make their predictions using more than 40 years of data, including sea level pressures, vertical wind shear levels, and sea surface temperatures. To stay up to date and informed. Check the next predicted forecast, which will be updated on June 4th.
Hurricane Season Advice: Be Prepared
With the hurricane predictions out, there is no better time than now to start preparing your property for a hurricane. By planning early, you can give yourself adequate time to prep your house. Hurricane shutters and storm panels have been proven to prevent home damage. They also limit the danger of flying debris during a storm. Hurricane shutters come in a variety of styles and protection. Call Shutters239 to discuss the many shutter options available.
Even though the predictions are early and have a chance of changing, it is still good to prepare for a devastating hurricane season. At Shutters239, we want to make sure you stay informed about this hurricane season and how to prepare for the storms it might bring. Call us today to ask about hurricane protection and which shutters will best fit your home.
