"HOUSTON - U.S. government forecasters said on Thursday up to seven major hurricanes may form in an "extraordinary" 2024 Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1.
In a May forecast exceeding that issued ahead of 2005's record-breaking season that spawned hurricanes Katrina and Rita, forecasters expect between four and seven major hurricanes. Those events are among a projected eight to 13 hurricanes, which could result from an expected 17 to 25 named tropical storms, said Rick Spinrad, administrator of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
An average hurricane season produces 14 named storms (winds of at least 39 miles per hour or 63 kph), of which seven become hurricanes (winds over 74 mph or 119 kph) and three become "major," with wind speeds over 111 mph (178 kph).
Warm sea temperatures and falling wind shear conditions at the height of the hurricane season in August and September are expected to contribute to more and stronger storms this year, the forecasters said."
Erwin Seba reports for Reuters May 23, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"Dangerous Brew: Ocean Heat And La Nina Combo Likely Mean More Atlantic Hurricanes This Summer" (AP)
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