2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Record Activity Despite Mid-Season Lull

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is ending with 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes. Despite low activity in mid-season, notable storms like Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage. Climate change has played a significant role in increasing storm intensities this season, with evidence of enhanced wind speeds and rainfall due to elevated sea temperatures.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is concluding with record-breaking activity. The season witnessed 18 named tropical storms, 11 of which escalated to hurricane strength, while five were classified as major hurricanes (Category 3 and above). In contrast, an average season records 14 storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. Notably, while some records were achieved, the distribution of activity was uneven, with a notable lull in the middle of the season, differing from the typical seasonal pattern.

Forecasts prior to the season suggested extraordinary activity, particularly as Hurricane Beryl emerged as the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record on 2 July. Beryl caused extensive damage and fatalities in the Caribbean before making landfall in southern Texas, where it resulted in severe flooding and power outages in both Texas and Louisiana. After Beryl’s dissipation, however, hurricane activity diminished significantly.

The hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November and typically peaks in early September. After Beryl, only four named storms developed before the formation of Hurricane Helene on 24 September, surprisingly few given the high sea surface temperatures that were generally above average. Changes in weather patterns from Africa and considerable Saharan dust may have inhibited development despite warm Atlantic waters.

Late September marked a resurgence in activity with Hurricane Helene, which rapidly intensified and made landfall as a major Category 4 hurricane, causing severe flooding and widespread destruction across the southeastern United States. Preliminary reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate that Helene was the deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Following Helene, five additional storms formed, with four attaining hurricane status and experiencing significant rapid intensification. Hurricane Milton, which emerged in early October, recorded extreme wind speed increases and reached Category 5 status briefly before weakening.

The hurricane season concluded with Tropical Storm Sara, which, although it did not convert into a hurricane, caused extensive flooding due to its slow movement near the coast of Central America. Portions of Honduras received over three feet of rainfall.

High sea temperatures, a result of climate change, were significant contributors to the season’s hurricane activities, exceeding the 1991-2020 average by approximately 1°C. Climate analysis indicates that human-induced warming has increased maximum wind speeds in 2024 hurricanes, with results such as Hurricane Milton’s winds being 23 mph stronger due to climate effects. Additionally, studies have revealed that rainfall from hurricanes, including Milton, was enhanced by 20-30% because of climate change.

While the overall frequency of tropical cyclones may not increase, the ones that do form are likely to intensify more rapidly and produce greater rainfall, posing heightened risks to affected regions.

The Atlantic hurricane season occurs annually from June 1 to November 30, with varying levels of cyclone activity attributed to multiple climatic factors, including ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions. The 2024 season faced initial predictions of extraordinary activity, culminating in historical events, such as Hurricane Beryl reaching Category 5 strength very early in the season. However, an unusual lull followed before a series of active storms redeveloped later in the year. Current research emphasizes the role of climate change in altering storm dynamics and intensities, indicating that hurricanes could become more dangerous even if their overall frequency does not increase.

In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by unprecedented levels of activity, punctuated by both extremes of quietness and devastating storms. The influence of climate change is evident, with warmer ocean temperatures contributing to heightened storm intensity and rainfall, necessitating ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard affected communities.

Original Source: www.bbc.com