Georgia climate scientists are predicting another above average hurricane season this year, but it’s still expected to be less busy than last year’s record-breaking predictions.
The outlook from Colorado State University predicts 17 named storms this season compared to 18 in 2024.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center shows neutral ocean conditions are likely for the rest of the summer. The neutral El Niño/Southern Oscillation or ENSO conditions mean storms can become hurricanes faster.
University of Georgia Climatologist Pam Knox said another factor they’re considering is slightly warmer ocean temperatures.
“That is serving as the energy source for the development of the storms and so when we have unusually warm water in either the golf course or in the Atlantic. The storms are likely to grow faster,” Knox said.
Researchers say it’s too early to predict where storms will go. Knox said they’re watching the Georgia cost, and the state boarder near Florida.
“It seems fairly likely over the long term that we are going to see storms coming both as we expect from the Gulf of Mexico, but also some from the Atlantic Ocean,” she said.
Hurricane season officially begins June 1.
This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News
