Atlantic hurricane season 2024: forecasts, storm names, and advisories from experts

By Antara swarnakarMD. Ekbal Habib
June 7, 2024

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun, according to analysts. The ocean’s temperature has been rising at an unprecedented rate since the beginning of 2023. Although there are typically 14 named storms during a hurricane season, AccuWeather’s estimates for 2024 indicate that the season may surpass the record of 30 named storms in 2020.

When does the hurricane season begin?

The National Hurricane Center states that the Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will end on November 30. In the eastern Pacific, it will last for two weeks longer, though. According to NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, approximately 97% of all Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes occur within this six-month period.

Atlantic Hurricane Season 2024 predictions

With 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 significant hurricanes (category 3 storms or above), the NHS projects an 85% chance of an above-normal season this year. AccuWeather’s forecasts suggest that there may be between twenty and twenty-five named storms. Additionally, it projects that four to six storms will directly affect the United States of America.

What are experts saying?

The hurricane season of 2024 is predicted to be busier than in recent years, experts have warned. According to FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross, the two key drivers for such an aggressive forecast are the unusually warm tropical Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico; also, the likely emergence of La Niña will develop in the Pacific mid-hurricane season.

“The Caribbean is going crazy,” researcher Brian McNoldy said in a Thursday interview with USA Today, adding that “the whole tropical Atlantic is warmer than its ever been for this time of year.” And that’s all after 2023, which was the warmest year on record for this time of year. We’re already shattering records from 2023. Thus, not fantastic,” McNoldy continued.

“What’s interesting here is that there are 21 names on the list. Not every letter from the alphabet has a name that corresponds with it. So it’s 21,” said FOX Weather Meteorologist Ian Oliver. “But the consensus among all the agencies that put out a hurricane forecast is 24 storms. So we might see the debut of that new supplemental list this year,” Oliver added.

There are 21 hurricane names on this year’s list:

• Alberto

• Beryl

• Chris

• Debby

• Ernesto

• Francine

• Gordon

• Helene

• Isaac

• Joyce

• Kirk