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The Weather Company released its latest predictions for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season that foresees 2 more storms than those made by CSU’s meteorologists, as the official season start is only 2 weeks away.
While all of the predictions from various meteorologists this year don’t see us having another record-setting year like 2020, forecasts are calling for an active season nonetheless that will be above the 30-year average. The 30-year average spanning from 1991 to 2020 is 14 total named storms per season, 7 hurricanes, with 3 that reach Category 3 or higher.
The latest forecast by the Weather Company is predicting a busier season than the level of activity predicted by Colorado State University (CSU) meteorologists in early April. The CSU meteorologists predicted the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season would bring 17 named storms, including 8 hurricanes, four of which being major hurricanes.
Now, the Weather Company is forecasting 19 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes of category 3 or higher (115-plus-mph winds) on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
The Weather Company said its forecast was based on a number of factors. The factors include Atlantic Ocean sea-surface temperatures, La Niña, and other teleconnections, as well as computer model forecast guidance and past hurricane seasons exhibiting similar atmospheric conditions.
Even with the Weather Company predicting 19 named storms this year, it’s still a long way below what we saw last year. 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).
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.
