As we gear up for the 2024 hurricane season, Colorado State University is forecasting a tumultuous year ahead. With warm Atlantic conditions fueling the potential for 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes, Florida is bracing for impact.
What’s causing this spike in activity? The answer lies in the warm Atlantic Ocean and the looming La Niña phenomenon, both of which create ideal conditions for hurricane formation.
Looking back at the averages from 1991 to 2020, the numbers predicted for 2024 far exceed what we’re used to. This heightened activity poses a significant risk for major hurricanes making landfall, particularly along the U.S. coastline and in Florida.
La Niña’s presence means reduced wind shear in the Atlantic, paving the way for more tropical cyclones to develop. CSU’s senior research scientist, Philip Klotzbach, warns that sea-surface temperatures are on track to be among the warmest on record.
Historically, La Niña-influenced seasons have brought above-average storm activity, as seen in the record-setting years of 2005 and 2020. The second half of the 2024 season is especially worrisome, given the conditions at play.
Florida, no stranger to powerful storms, felt the impact of Hurricane Idalia last season. As the strongest storm to hit the state in recent times, it left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Adding to the forecast, AccuWeather has also predicted an active hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, dubbing it a potential blockbuster event. With a transition from El Niño to La Niña expected, the stage is set for a stormy season ahead.
