NORTH CAROLINA -- We have only seen two named storms form in the Atlantic basin so far in the 2019 hurricane season. The rest of the season will likely be much more active.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) updated their 2019 forecast Thursday saying the chance for an above average season has increased. NOAA forecasters attribute their expectations for a busier season to a weakening El Niño.
El Niño is a global pattern that typically causes more shear across the tropical Atlantic limiting the number of tropical system. With an end to El Niño, conditions are becoming more favorable for tropical development.
We are also about to enter the most active time of the year for hurricanes in the Atlantic. Late August through early October typically sees the greatest amount of tropical development. The number of storms form usually drops by late October. The end of November marks the official end to the season.
It is important to point out that no matter how many storms actually form this year, it only takes one landfalling storm to make this a devastating season.
For the latest on the tropics, watch our Tropical Update at :21 after each hour on Spectrum News.