By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

The 2024 hurricane season, which began June 1, is expected to be one of the most active seasons on record, according to meteorologists.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said this year has an 85% chance of having an unusually high number of tropical storms and hurricanes.

“It looks like this season is going to be an active one,” Tom Bradshaw, National Weather Service meteorologist, told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “There are a couple reasons for that. One is the very, very warm sea surface temperatures out there in the Atlantic Basin, in the Gulf of Mexico, and also, some larger scale wind patterns, which seem to be conducive to tropical development.”

NOAA is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms with winds of 39 miles per hour (mph) or higher.

Of those, NOAA predicts eight to 13 could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including four to seven major hurricanes of at least Category 3 status with damaging winds of 111 mph or stronger.

In an average year in the Atlantic region, 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes are recorded.

Weather patterns are expected to shift from El Niño to La Niña, which Bradshaw said is one of the reasons for the increase in potential storm activities.

“During a La Niña pattern, you do tend to see a little bit more Atlantic activity, so that sort of does correspond with the forecast for higher than normal numbers of named storms,” he said. “That’s part of the reason they’re going with a little higher forecast this year versus previous years.”

Bradshaw noted those on the coast should be prepared for hurricane season.

He said it is important to remain up to date on the latest forecast, as well as local and state warnings.

Visit the Texas Hurricane Center for information on proactive steps to take before, during and after a hurricane.

For additional hurricane safety tips, visit TexasReady.gov and tdem.texas.gov/prepare.