Today, NOAA released its 2024 hurricane season outlook, predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal 2024 season for the Atlantic due to near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean, reduced Atlantic trade winds, and less wind shear. 

Hurricanes are the largest and most expensive storms, and this season’s predictions from NOAA offer the most aggressive outlook that NOAA has ever issued during the month of May. Warming ocean temperatures are driving more frequent and intense storms, while melting ice contributes to sea level rise and increases the risk of storm surge. In 2023, the US spent over $92 billion on extreme weather disasters, including hurricanes and coastal flooding. 

NOAA’s data and services will be critical for hurricane preparedness and response. The agency will implement improvements to its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season, as well as new tools for hurricane analysis and forecasting thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Please share this outlook to raise awareness of the data and services NOAA provides and urge more ambitious action to address climate change that is driving more intense and frequent storms. 

Toolkit linked here.