Average Hurricane season is forecasted for eastern Pacific regions
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Centre of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that projected climate conditions point to a normal or below-normal hurricane season in the eastern Pacific this year.
Allowing for forecast uncertainties, seasonal hurricane forecasters estimate a 70 per cent chance of 13-18 named storms, which includes 6-10 hurricanes, of which two-five will become major hurricanes. An average eastern Pacific hurricane season produces 15 to 16 named storms, with nine becoming hurricanes and four to five becoming major hurricanes.
The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from 15 May to 30 November; the peak period of activity is July-September.
The main climate factors influencing this year’s Eastern Pacific outlook are the atmospheric conditions that have decreased hurricane activity over the eastern Pacific Ocean since 1995 and the possible development of El Niño.