Some meteorologists believe there could be a “dramatic increase” in severe storms in the Atlantic in September, possibly as many as six to ten tropical storms.
That rate would be comparable to the record-breaking 2020 hurricane season, which saw a total of 10 storms in September, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, said a change in weather patterns will push out dry, dusty air that has dampened weather in most of the tropics in recent months.
“I think it could potentially get very active here very quickly once the dry air goes away,” DaSilva said. “We could see a parade of storms.”
According to AccuWeather, the Atlantic hurricane season will peak on September 10, but abundant warm water could support tropical storms and hurricanes well into the fall.
“We are essentially experiencing record-breaking sea surface temperatures” across most of the Atlantic basin, DaSilva said.
In the U.S., the Texas coast, Florida, and the Carolinas are most at risk from tropical storms, but the danger could extend “well beyond the locations where a storm makes landfall,” according to AccuWeather.
For example, Hurricane Beryl struck Texas in July as a Category 1 hurricane but left significant damage in the eastern United States and caused severe flooding in Vermont. Hurricane Debby caused further damage in August as its remnants swept up the East Coast.
A mobile home ripped from its foundation lies stuck about 1,000 feet from the property it stood on, near a bridge over the Canisteo River, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Canisteo, N.Y., after remnants of Tropical Storm Debby swept through the area. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)AP
Accuweather predicted that there would be a total of 20 to 25 named storms in the Atlantic by the end of 2024, “well above the historical average of 14.”
Jon Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, said hurricanes have already had a significant impact this year – “and we haven’t even reached the peak of the season yet.”
