Atlantic hurricane season for 2023 forecast to have at least 12 named storms, NOAA says

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists predicted Thursday that the 2023 hurricane season is expected to be “close to normal” with at least 12 named storms.

NOAA said it expects 12 to 17 named storms and five to nine hurricanes this year, with one to four major hurricanes.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. When a tropical depression reaches sustained winds of at least 39 mph, it is considered a tropical cyclone and given a name. A tropical storm Becomes a hurricane. When it has sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour, major hurricanes — Category 3, 4 or 5 — are even more intense.

Climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, has resulted in rising ocean temperatures and other atmospheric conditions that scientists say are making hurricanes more intense.

The 2022 hurricane season has developed. 14 named stormincluding eight hurricanes and two major hurricanes. According to NOAAAn average hurricane season consists of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

Although the number of storms last year was about average, the intensity of these systems was extremely destructive. just a storm, Hurricane Iancaused 150 deaths and more than $112 billion in damage after making landfall as a Category 4 in southwest Florida on September 28. Costliest Hurricane in Florida history and the third most expensive in U.S. history.

The researchers said that appearance El Nino this summer Could potentially make for a weak hurricane season. El Nino and La Nina are naturally occurring climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather forecasts globally. An emerging El Niño means waters off the West Coast will warm and storm activity will be more active in the Pacific, while Atlantic hurricane activity may weaken.

Officials upgraded NOAA operations and forecasts they hope will save lives this hurricane season.

The National Weather Service provides resources for real-time updates on hurricane preparedness and active weather systems. www.hurricanes.gov.