Jun 5, 2023
From June to November, weather experts in North America track "hurricane season." This is when warm temperatures make huge storms more likely to develop in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
What about 2023?
Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) think it will be a "near normal" year. This means NOAA expects between 12 and 17 storms (winds over 39 mph). Among these, 5 to 9 could turn into hurricanes with winds over 74 mph. And 1 to 4 of those could be major hurricanes. That means they have winds over 111 mph.
Even a "normal" year can be dangerous. For example, last year was seen as typical. But, Hurricane Ian hit Florida hard in September. It caused $114 billion in damage.
To keep track of big storms and hurricanes, NOAA gives them names. They use these names again every six years. But if a hurricane causes a lot of damage, they retire it. Last year, they retired the name Ian. The names Katrina and Iris are also not used any more. Here are the names for possible storms this year:
Arlene (ar-LEEN), Bret (bret), Cindy (SIN-dee), Don (dahn), Emily (EH-mih-lee), Franklin (FRANK-lin), Gert (gert), Harold (HAIR-uld), Idalia (ee-DAL-ya), Jose (ho-ZAY), Katia (KAH-tyah), Lee (lee), Margot (MAR-go), Nigel (NY-juhl), Ophelia (o-FEEL-ya), Philippe (fee-LEEP), Rina (REE-nuh), Sean (shawn), Tammy (TAM-ee), Vince (vinss), and Whitney (WHIT-nee).
NOAA uses the names in alphabetical order for each new storm. The first storm, Arlene, has already happened. But it disappeared before it could hit land.
Reflect: What are some ways individuals, communities, and/or governments can prepare for and respond to hurricanes?
How Climate Change Has Intensified Hurricane Season
This video provides evidence of hurricanes like Ida and Harvey causing more precipitation and becoming stronger, slower, and larger than in the past.
Hurricane Tracker
This hurricane tracker allows students to view satellite imagery of the Eastern Pacific and the Atlantic and follow the paths of current and recent hurricanes.
NASA's Earth Minute: Blowin' in the Wind
In this video NASA explains the importance of wind and how it impacts things like the weather, seafood, cargo ships, and offshore oil rigs.