DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is the next Atlantic hurricane season in the Northern Hemisphere. It officially begins on June 1, 2024, and concludes on November 30, 2024.

Climatologists are very concerned about the 2024 Hurricane Season because it presents a confluence of factors that could lead to heightened storm activity and potential impacts. Here are some reasons for their concern:

1. Warmer Ocean Temperatures: The Atlantic Ocean’s sea surface temperatures have been rising due to climate change. Warm waters provide the energy needed for hurricanes to form and intensify.
2. La Niña or El Niño Events: These natural climate oscillations in the Pacific Ocean can influence global weather patterns.
3. Strong wind can inhibit hurricane development. If wind shear remains low during the 2024 season, it could allow storms to thrive and intensify.
4. Climate Variability: The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) is a long-term climate cycle that affects sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic. When the AMO is in its warm phase, it tends to enhance hurricane activity. Currently, the AMO is in a warm phase.
5. Urbanization and Coastal Development: As coastal populations grow, more people and infrastructure are at risk during hurricanes.
6. Improved Forecasting: Advances in hurricane forecasting models allow climatologists to make more accurate predictions.

In summary, climatologists are urging preparedness to mitigate the potential impact of the 2024 Hurricane Season.