AccuWeather releases predictions for the 2021 hurricane season and we are in store for another above-average season in the Atlantic. They are calling for 16 to 20 named storms and expect 7 to 10 to become hurricanes. Three to five of those to be major hurricanes.
“We’re looking at a pretty busy season but still it would pale in comparison to what we had last year which was a record-breaking year of 30 named storms,” said State Climatologist Barry Keim.
Keim said the already above-average water temps in the Atlantic are a factor in the higher number of storms predicted for 2021.
“The sea surface temperatures and the breeding grounds for hurricanes are already running above normal and they expect that to persist into hurricane season and of course that’s the fuel that fires up these hurricanes,” said Keim.
Another item pointed out in the AccuWeather report, Keim said is that this season is shaping up like three other previous seasons… 1996, 2001, and 2012. Referred to as analog years.
“Well in 2012 we had Hurricane Isaac which didn’t do Louisiana too many favors. Putting a pretty good storm surge in the LaPlace and Breakway so hopefully nothing likes that happens,” said Keim.
Colorado State and NOAA have yet to release their predictions for 2021 but Keim said he expects their reports to predict an above-average season as well.
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