Atlantic Ocean is waking back up. 65% chance for above-normal hurricane season

It was a nice break while it lasted! Since Elsa dissipated on July 9, we have enjoyed a nice 3.5 week break from new tropical systems developing. Saharan dust helped to limit tropical development, which is common for June and July. The Atlantic is waking back up as we head into August.

Atlantic hurricane season is most active August through October, so it is usual to see tropical activity pick back up during this time. NOAA released their updated hurricane season outlook on Wednesday, and they are maintaining their forecast of an above normal hurricane season. There is a 65% chance we will see an above normal season and only a 10% chance of a below normal season.

The sea surface temperatures are not as warm as they were last year, and this is a good thing because warmer temperatures help strengthen and feed tropical systems.

Why so active then? Two main reasons. One is that there is likely to be increased west African monsoon activity this month, which helps plant seeds for low pressure systems to develop as they first enter the Atlantic off the coast of Africa. In fact, we’re already monitoring one of those waves over Africa right now for possible development.

The second reason is a possible transition from neutral to La Nina conditions later this summer. A La Nina Watch has been issued due to this possibility. La Nina years are associated with decreased wind shear in the Atlantic basin. With less wind shear to disrupt or tear systems apart, it is easier for tropical systems to develop and strengthen.