Weather
Atlantic Hurricane Season Heats Up With Two Systems To Watch
Forecasters are still calling for an above-average hurricane season. Currently, there are two low-pressure systems worth keeping an eye on.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — We're still in for an above-average hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released a mid-season forecast on August 4 and they are doubling down on their original prediction that 2021 will see more storms than an average year.
Fortunatley, forecastesr still expect it to be quieter than the 2o20 season.
The latest forecast calls for 15-21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), including 7-10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). NOAA estimates that 3-5 of those hurricanes could qualify as major hurricanes, when winds reach 111 mph or greater. NOAA has already tracked and named 5 storms so far this season.
Find out what's happening in US Virgin Islandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“After a record-setting start, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season does not show any signs of relenting as it enters the peak months ahead,” said Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA administrator.
Matthew Rosencrans, a lead hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Center, explained why forecasters expect a busy season. "A mix of competing oceanic and atmospheric conditions generally favor above-average activity for the remainder of the Atlantic hurricane season, including the potential return of La Nina in the months ahead,” he said.
Find out what's happening in US Virgin Islandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Currently, forecasters are tracking a large system located a few hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands. They anticipate a tropical depression forming later this weekend or early next week, with a 60% chance of forming into a storm in the next 5 days.
They are also tracking a low-pressure area located over the central tropical Atlantic. It is moving slowly and has a 20% chance of forming into a storm over the next 5 days.
Start your day with the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here. And follow Patch USVI on Facebook to get the latest, breaking news.