The 2021 hurricane season is showing no signs of slowing as it enters its final months. Temperatures are not expected to be as warm as during the record-breaking 2020 season, but weather conditions remain above-average, according to the mid-season update released last week from the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“A mix of competing oceanic and atmospheric conditions generally favor above-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, including the potential return of La Nina in the months ahead,” said Matthew Rosencrans, a lead seasonal hurricane forecaster for the Climate Prediction Center.
The Atlantic hurricane season outlook shows the number of expected named storms between 15 to 21, including the five that have already come and gone, with 7 to 10 storms becoming hurricanes and three to five of them becoming major category 3, 4, or 5 hurricanes.
The agency recommends being prepared for all possible situations by staying tuned to local forecasts and following safety information, including possible evacuation notifications issued by emergency officials.
“Now is the time for families and communities to ensure their preparations are in place,” said Louis W. Uccellini, director of the National Weather Service.
The best way to stay connected and learn more about NOAA expertise across all hurricane science and forecasting is with Hurricane Resource Guide at NOAA.gov. Also, the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Ready.gov maintains the latest information about hurricane preparedness and evacuation safety.
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