2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Concludes with 18 Named Storms and Historical Records
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ended with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and 5 major storms. While the activity was higher than average, it remained within NOAA’s predicted ranges. Key records included Hurricane Beryl as the earliest Category-5 hurricane ever recorded. The season underscored NOAA’s advancements in forecasting and data collection, highlighting the organization’s critical role in community preparedness and emergency planning.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has concluded, recording a total of 18 named storms, which included 11 hurricanes and 5 categorized as major hurricanes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this season matched the expected storm activity despite several instances of unprecedented behavior, such as Hurricane Beryl becoming the earliest recorded Category-5 hurricane in the Atlantic. The season saw five hurricanes make landfall in the U.S., with two of them being classified as major hurricanes.
The National Hurricane Center’s forecasts were notably strong this season, with advances in technology leading to the most accurate track predictions recorded, and a robust deployment of Hurricane Hunter aircraft that gathered essential data during 392 missions. The season exhibited a mix of activity, with an initial intense phase, a mid-season lull due to adverse weather conditions in Western Africa, and a resurgence later in the season. Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA, described the activity:
“The impactful and deadly 2024 hurricane season started off intensely, then relaxed a bit before roaring back.”
Furthermore, NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad extolled the importance of ongoing scientific research, underscoring, “As hurricanes and tropical cyclones continue to unleash deadly and destructive forces, it is clear that NOAA’s critical science and services are needed more than ever by communities, decision makers and emergency planners.”
In contrast, the Pacific hurricane season showed lower than average activity, with merely 12 named storms in the eastern Pacific and only 2 in the central Pacific. Overall, this year’s hurricane season, while above average, remained within the previously predicted parameters, reflecting NOAA’s effective forecasting capabilities and readiness for emergencies.
The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30, during which meteorologists monitor storm activity in the region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides seasonal forecasts that guide public safety measures, emergency planning, and preparedness efforts. The accuracy of these forecasts relies on advanced technology and research, particularly as climate change influences hurricane patterns and intensities. Trends over recent years indicate a fluctuating pattern of storm activity, prompting closer scrutiny and analysis of the season’s developments.
The conclusion of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season marked a notable year with 18 named storms recorded, demonstrating advancements in forecasting and data collection to mitigate the impacts of these natural disasters. With significant landfalls and unprecedented storm development, the season reinforced the value of NOAA’s scientific research and predictive capabilities. As the world faces increasing weather-related challenges, the importance of preparedness and reliable forecasting remains paramount.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
