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The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to have above-normal activity, starting higher than last year’s initial projections, according to the annual predictions made by the Colorado State University.
Every year, a group of meteorologists from the Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project, give an early forecast at this time of year, offering predictions of the forthcoming Atlantic hurricane season.
This year…The CSU forecasters are starting higher than last year’s initial numbers. As we know, that 2020 was the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record.
Last year, the group also forecast an above-average season, calling for 16 named storms, including 8 hurricanes, 4 of them being major hurricanes for 2020. But when the season kicked off early and continued to show strong activity, in August, the CSU revised their predictions upward, calling for 20 named storms, 12 hurricanes, with 5 being major Category 3 or higher.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season saw storms form earlier than usual and ended the season with a record-breaking 30 named storms, 12 of which made landfall in the US. The year 2020 also tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record, as well as capping off the warmest decade globally, according to a study released by the European Union (EU).
Here are the major predictions for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season by the meteorologists from the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project.
Named storms: A total of 17 named storms are predicted (16 were predicted last year).
Hurricanes: 8 hurricanes are predicted (same as last year).
Major hurricanes (category 3 or higher): 4 major hurricanes (same as last year).
Ranking: This year’s predictions are above the 30-year average (1991-2020) of 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes, the Weather Company reports.
The most important thing anyone living in areas that can be affected by hurricanes should take away from this news – is to start getting prepared now.
Develop a family emergency plan. Start with planning and preparing your evacuation and communications strategy. Look for the best cell phone family plan and make sure that every member of your family has a cell phone so that you can stay in contact should you get separated. Many plans offer a Samsung free phone.
Have an emergency kit that has at least a 3-day supply of food and water, as well as a flashlight and backup battery chargers for your cell phone and more.
The best source of information you can research online can be found at the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Visit their hurricane preparedness page for important tips.
