Hurricane season approaching: What to expect from this season’s storms

The upcoming hurricane season is forecast to see slightly below average hurricane activity, said Storm Center 7 Meteorologist Jesse Maag.

The forecast is due to an weak, yet persistent El Nino pattern, he said.

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During an El Nino, westerly winds in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean create conditions not suitable for hurricane growth and development. The increased winds actually tear apart a hurricane or prevent them from forming all together.

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In addition, current sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean are slightly below average.

Both factors are expected to have a slight, yet noticeable impact on this year’s hurricane season.

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