National Hurricane Center's first outlook of 2024 season: Here's what they're tracking
The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season is off to a mild start as forecasters on the first day of this year's hurricane season predict no tropical cyclones for the next 48 hours. The National Weather Services' 8 a.m. outlook said the tropics should stay that way for the next seven days.
The season is expected to be a very active one, with the National Hurricane Center and all other meteorological outlets seeing potential records set for named storms.
National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical waves, according to the latest tropical discussion.
With no tropical storms on the horizon and a clear day for most places in the Florida Peninsula, it's a good time to prepare. June 1-14 are sales tax holidays throughout Florida.
Though the weather is mild most places in Florida on Saturday, areas of the Florida Panhandle, including Okaloosa County were under flash flood warning early this morning after heavy rains. A flood watch also was in effect for several cities in the Panhandle through Saturday afternoon.
When does hurricane season start?
The Atlantic hurricane season starts Saturday, June 1. The season ends Nov. 30.
The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center also was tracking three tropical waves Saturday, June 1. Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 8 a.m. June 1:
What is out there and where are they going?
Tropical wave 1: A far eastern Atlantic tropical wave is off the coast of Africa. It is moving westward at 17 mph.
Tropical wave 2: A central Atlantic tropical wave has recently entered the far southeastern Caribbean Sea.
Tropical wave 3: A Caribbean tropical wave stretches from near eastern Jamaica. It is moving westward at around 20 mph.
Who is likely to be impacted?
It's too early at this time to determine if there will be any impact to Florida or the U.S. from the tropical waves.
Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. That advice is particularly important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.
What are the storm names for 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
Names for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season were last used in 2018 and will be used again in 2030 unless any are retired and replaced by the WMO.
Here are the 2024 hurricane names:
Alberto
Beryl
Chris
Debby
Ernesto
Francine
Gordon
Helene
Isaac
Joyce
Kirk
Leslie
Milton
Nadine
Oscar
Patty
Rafael
Sara
Tony
Valerie
William
Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.
NOAA predicting up to 25 named storms in 2024 hurricane season
Except two tropical disturbances — one southeast of Florida earlier this month and another in April — it's been a quiet start to what is predicted to be a very active season that could double the average number of storms. AccuWeather predicted 2024 could top the 2020 record of 30 named storms.
NOAA is predicting there is an 85% chance of an above-normal season.
NOAA's prediction:
17-25 named storms
8-13 hurricanes
4-7 major hurricanes
A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.
Two conditions in the Atlantic basin are the reason for the above-average predictions for the 2024 hurricane season: La Niña and record-warm water. Both help the development of storms.
National Hurricane Center map: What are forecasters watching now?
Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:
Noaa
Embedded content: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/xgtwo/two_atl_0d0.png?052051
Excessive rainfall forecast
What's next?
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurricane season 2024 first day: NHC tracks 3 tropical waves
