Forecaster predicts 18 named storms for 2021
Reprints
London-based forecaster Tropical Storm Risk predicts the 2021 storm season will see 18 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes, defined as Category 3 or worse, according to a report released Friday by Aon PLC’s Impact Forecasting.
The forecast represents a slight increase from TSR’s initial projections of 2021 tropical activity released in December and April. The projected activity is expected to be roughly 30% to 35% above the long-range norm since 1950 and slightly above the recent 2011-2020 10-year norm, according to TSR, which is part of UCL University College.
In December TSR forecast 16 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, which by April had risen to 17 named storms, eight hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Last week, the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season with a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, six to 10 of which could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher, including three to five major hurricanes, categories 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher.
NOAA said it provides these ranges with 70% confidence. The agency forecast a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Read Next
-
Hurricanes cause $10 billion worth of damage
Lisandro Rosales, foreign minister of Honduras, said that Hurricanes Eta and Iota caused an estimated $10 billion in economic losses after hitting the country in early November, Reuters reported. The back-to-back hurricanes destroyed several dozen bridges, 3 million hectares of crops and more than 1,400 homes.
