Overview of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Climate Impacts
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded with 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes. Early activity was noted with Hurricane Beryl, but a lull occurred mid-season. The season intensified towards its end, particularly with Hurricane Helene, which became the deadliest storm of the season. Climate change significantly influenced the increased strength of storms, raising concerns about future hurricane patterns and impacts.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is concluding after an overall active period characterized by 18 named tropical storms, 11 of which escalated into hurricanes and five into major hurricanes. While the average season typically sees 14 storms, this season witnessed some remarkable developments, including Hurricane Beryl, which became the earliest recorded category five hurricane on July 2. Despite an early onset of activity, the season experienced an unexpected lull during its peak, marked by only four named storms between July and late September.
In late September, Hurricane Helene emerged, achieving category four strength and causing significant destruction from Florida to the southern Appalachians. This hurricane was deemed the most lethal hurricane to impact the continental U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, resulting in over 150 fatalities. The season ramped up, leading to a series of rapidly intensifying storms, culminating in Hurricane Milton, which displayed extreme rapid intensification with wind speeds rising by 90 mph in just one day. Lastly, Tropical Storm Sara, the final storm of the season, caused severe flooding in Central America without reaching hurricane strength.
Experts attribute high sea temperatures, approximately 1°C above the long-term average, largely to climate change phenomena. Increased maximum wind speeds of hurricanes in 2024 can also be traced to human-induced climate changes. Although overall tropical cyclone frequency may not rise, the intensity and precipitation associated with these storms are significantly increasing, presenting a greater threat to affected regions.
The Atlantic hurricane season operates from June 1 to November 30, when the climatic conditions are generally favorable for the development of tropical systems. The deviation from expected patterns, such as early activity followed by a notable lull, raised questions among meteorologists regarding the influences on hurricane genesis during the season. The persistent warm sea surface temperatures and shifts in weather patterns were significant factors that shaped the storm developments. Furthermore, the impact of climate change continues to be a prominent discussion among scientists, highlighting its role in increasing the intensity and rainfall associated with hurricanes.
In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by notable storm activity, with significant hurricanes causing devastation, notably Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The unexpected quiet period in the middle of the season contrasts sharply with the active end, emphasizing the complexity of atmospheric and oceanic interactions that govern hurricane formation. Climate change’s role in exacerbating storm intensity and rainfall underscores the need for continued research and preparedness.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
