National Hurricane Center officials are extending forecasts for the upcoming hurricane season – instead of the traditional five-day forecast, they will give a seven-day forecast. The recent modifications come after years of testing long-range predictions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a great step forward for the Emergency Management Community.
“The benefit here is that planning can at least begin earlier. People can start thinking about these hurricanes that are likely to visit their regions,” said Keim
The 2022 hurricane season for Louisiana on average was a bit quieter, even though it produced 14 named storms. Keim says hurricane season officially begins June 1st and this update will be beneficial.
“It’s not going to take a whole lot to get people’s attention here in Louisiana when storms are in the Gulf. A seven-day forecast will assist us in trying to understand where these hurricanes might be headed,” said Keim.
Forecasters have become more confident in the accuracy of extended weather predictions. Keim says that even though there has been a demand for longer-range forecasts – they will not be error-free. Keim says a seven-day forecast during hurricane season will give Louisianans a heads-up.
“Recognize what a seven-day weather forecast is. It’s a prediction. It’s not always going to be correct but it does give us a little more of a heads up to try to better plan for these hurricanes,” said Keim.
The changes will begin on May 15.
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