It is Hurricane Preparedness week which runs until May 15th. This means the start of hurricane season is not too far away. So, it’s best to prepare now. I do realize that we are far inland from the Alabama coast. However, our coverage areas in the past, at times, have been impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. My advice is always to be prepared.

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As severe weather season is winding down, I know, insert laughter. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st until November 30th. Seriously, I still can’t believe it’s nearing the middle of May.

[F.Y.I.]  Even though we have pre-determined time frames for severe weather and hurricane season, storms can develop outside of those months as well.

Colorado State University meteorologists are predicting the following forecast parameters for the Forecast for 2021 Hurricane Activity.

18 Named Storms

80 Storm Days

8 Hurricanes

35 Hurricane Days

4 Major Hurricanes

9 Major Hurricane Days

I hate to break it to you, but this translates to a possible “above-average” hurricane season. Phillip Klotzback, a Colorado State University Meteorologist, specializing in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasts, provides more insight. He tweeted that “one of the reasons for the above-average seasonal #hurricane forecast from CSU is due to the likely lack of #ElNino this summer/fall. El Nino generally increases vertical wind shear in the Atlantic, tearing apart hurricanes.”

In addition, he mentioned that a “warmer than normal April subtropical Atlantic typically correlates w/ more active Atlantic hurricane season. Warmer subtropics->weaker subtropical high->weaker trades->warmer tropical Atlantic.”

The Townsquare Media weather team will be keeping tabs on any possible developments that affect the Alabama coast and our coverage areas.

(Source) Click here for more from Colorado State University. Click here to follow Phillip Klotzback.

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