The 2018 hurricane season is upon us. And after a catastrophic 2017 season, everyone should be more in tune than ever with potential storms developing, especially in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
What’s Happened So Far?
The beginning of the 2018 hurricane season hinted at an intense season. Subtropical storm Alberto kicked things off in May before the season had even officially started. Hurricanes Beryl and Chris followed suit on July 10, marking the fourth time there had been two hurricanes by that date since 1966.
2018 Hurricane Season Predictions
Recently though, predictions for the 2018 Hurricane Season have chilled out, literally. Here are a few determining factors:
- The tropical and subtropical Atlantic are abnormally cool.
- A weak El Niño promising slightly warmer waters in the Pacific which can create wind shear in the Atlantic that tears hurricanes apart before they form.
- Caribbean trade winds are also quite strong right now, which can indicate a quiet season.
- NASA is also reporting a lot of Saharan dust in Africa being kicked up by winds and carried across the Atlantic, which can suppress storms before they form or intensify.
What’s Up With Hurricane Names?
Every year, World Meteorological Organization establishes a list of names for each Tropical Cyclone basin (region). These are handed out in alphabetical order to tropical cyclones (tropical storms and hurricanes). The 2018 names for the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic are:
- Alberto
- Beryl
- Chris
- Debby
- Ernesto
- Florence
- Gordon
- Helene
- Isaac
- Joyce
- Kirk
- Leslie
- Michael
- Nadine
- Oscar
- Patty
- Rafael
- Sara
- Tony
- Valerie
- William
You can check out the list of names for other years and basins here.
To prepare for the 2018 hurricane season, check out our supply checklist. And remember, never underestimate a hurricane and always stay safe!