The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season saw an unusual uptick in storm activity, recording 11 hurricanes, notably with Hurricane Helene causing over 200 deaths in the U.S., and Hurricane Milton hitting 180 mph winds. The season was affected by climate change and warmer ocean waters, with extreme weather patterns observed earlier and later in the typical hurricane timeline.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concluded with significant impact, featuring 11 hurricanes compared to the normal seven. Meteorologists described the season as exceptionally busy, largely driven by unusually warm ocean temperatures. Among the notable events, Hurricane Beryl formed a record-breaking Category 4 storm in June, leading to devastating effects in Jamaica. In September, Hurricane Helene emerged as the deadliest storm to strike the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina, resulting in over 200 fatalities and extensive damages. Further, Hurricane Milton reached unprecedented wind speeds of 180 mph in October, becoming one of the strongest hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. The season highlighted patterns of increased rainfall and destructive storms, patterns that experts attribute to the impacts of climate change on ocean temperatures and hurricane formation.
The Atlantic hurricane season spans six months and typically produces an average of seven hurricanes. However, the 2024 season was marked by intensified activity, with multiple storms reaching extraordinarily high categories earlier and later than usual in the season. Meteorologists are increasingly concerned about the relationship between rising ocean temperatures—driven by climate change—and the frequency and strength of hurricanes. Studies have shown that the warming of ocean waters contributes significantly to the formation and strengthening of tropical storms that disrupt coastal regions.
In summary, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was defined by unprecedented storm activity, with 11 hurricanes recorded, among which Hurricane Helene was the most lethal. The season’s anomalies, such as the early formation of Hurricane Beryl and the late impact of Hurricane Milton, underscore the ongoing influence of climate change on weather patterns. As the frequency and intensity of hurricanes appear to be rising, it emphasizes the urgent need for societal adaptation and resilience measures in vulnerable coastal areas.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
