AUSTIN, Texas — Between June 1 and Nov. 30, the KVUE weather team will be checking the Atlantic basin for any signs of tropical storm developments.
While the latest satellite imagery and forecasts from the National Hurricane Center show no signs of development over the next few days, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has given an 85% probability of an above-average hurricane season, with a range of 17 to 25 named storms, including eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes.
For what it's worth, NOAA forecasters are 70% confident in this forecast, so make of it what you will.
There are several factors for this forecast, including a La Niña pattern forming in the Atlantic basin, climate change-induced record warm water temperatures in the Atlantic and low wind shear. All of these are prime conditions for storm formation.
The 2024 storm names have also been released, and not only do we have two new names – Francine and Milton – joining the fray, it is also possible that supplemental names could be used if we get more than 21 named storms in 2024. This has never happened, as the Greek alphabet was used until 2020.
Stick with KVUE for the latest as we track the tropics. Some storms could have an effect on Central Texas, as Hurricane Harvey did in 2017.