NOAA FORECASTERS REITERATE ABOVE-NORMAL ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON

August 7, 2003 — As the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season approaches, NOAA forecasters today said they still predict an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, and now call for a total of between 12-15 tropical storms, with 7-9 becoming hurricanes, and 3 or 4 becoming major hurricanes (Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale: Category 3 or higher). The update is consistent with the ranges stated in the May outlook, which called for 11-15 tropical storms, 6-9 hurricanes and 2-4 major hurricanes. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Claudette taken at 12:15 p.m. EDT on July 15, 2003. Click here for high resolution, which is a very large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Since May, NOAA scientists have observed atmospheric conditions becoming increasingly favorable for an above-normal hurricane season. These favorable conditions, combined with the active phase of the Atlantic multi-decadal signal, indicate an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season is likely.

“One might assume the Atlantic hurricane season would be less active than predicted in May since La Niña has not developed, but this is not the case,” said Jim Laver, NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s director. “In this instance, La Niña is not everything. It is possible to have an above-normal hurricane season without La Niña, just as long as the right atmospheric conditions such as wind and air pressure patterns are in place, as they are now.”

These favorable conditions are being aided by wind and air pressure patterns that have persisted for the past eight years. Meteorologist Stanley Goldenberg at the NOAA Hurricane Research Division said this active multi-decadal signal is expected to last for at least another decade, and has already helped to make 1995-2002 the most active period since 1944.

“Many of the hurricanes this season will develop over the tropical Atlantic and move westward as they strengthen. These hurricanes could pose a threat to the United States and/or the Caribbean Islands,” said Gerry Bell, head of NOAA’s seasonal hurricane prediction team.

Similar seasons, dating back to 1945, have averaged 2-3 landfalling hurricanes in the continental United States and 1-2 hurricanes in the region around the Caribbean Sea. Yet, NOAA cautions it is not possible to forecast this far out the total number of landfalling storms or the specific localities that could be impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane this season.

So far this season, the NOAA National Hurricane Center has issued advisories on four tropical storms, two of which became hurricanes (Claudette and Danny). For the rest of the season, NOAA expects an additional 8-11 tropical storms, with 5-7 becoming hurricanes, and 3-4 becoming major hurricanes.

“We’ve already seen some significant impacts this year, especially from Hurricane Claudette in Texas. This seasonal forecast implies we must be prepared for much more activity, including some major hurricanes”, said Max Mayfield, NOAA National Hurricane Center director.

NOAA issues an updated Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook as the peak of the season approaches. The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with peak activity occurring from mid-August through October.

The Atlantic hurricane season outlook is a joint product of the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, Hurricane Research Division and NOAA National Hurricane Center. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center and the NOAA National Hurricane Center are part of the NOAA National Weather Service. The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The NOAA National Weather Service operates the most advanced flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property, and enhance the national economy.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

Monitoring Atlantic Hurricane Potential

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA River Forecast Centers

NOAA Flood Products

NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. today

Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today

NOAA Buoys

NOAA Tides Online

NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views

Colorized Satellite Images

NOAA 3-D Satellite Images

NOAA Hurricanes Page

NOAA Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404 or 4402; or Carmeyia Gillis, NOAA Climate Prediction Center, (301) 763-8000 ext. 7163