The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season concludes on 30th November, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this season fell within the range of the expected number of storms despite having some record-breaking activity.
With 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, the season generated significant scientific interest and operational challenges. Five hurricanes made landfall in the continental United States, with two striking as major hurricanes.
The Atlantic seasonal activity fell within the predicted ranges for named storms and hurricanes issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center in the 2024 August Hurricane Season Outlook. An average season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
“The impactful and deadly 2024 hurricane season started intensely, then relaxed a bit before roaring back,” said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, in a press release. He attributed the mid-season lull to particularly intense winds and rainfall over Western Africa that created a less hospitable environment for storm development.
The season produced several record-breaking events, most notably Hurricane Beryl, which became the earliest Atlantic basin Category-5 hurricane on record. Hurricane Helene made history as the first storm that the National Hurricane Center forecasted as a major hurricane before it even became a tropical depression.
NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad emphasised the critical importance of scientific forecasting, stating, “As hurricanes and tropical cyclones continue to unleash deadly and destructive forces, it’s clear that NOAA’s critical science and services are needed more than ever by communities, decision-makers and emergency planners.”
Hurricane Milton stood out for its rapid intensification, with wind speeds increasing by 90 miles per hour in just 24 hours. The storm produced 46 tornadoes and caused significant flooding in Florida.
Dr Michael Brennan, Director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, highlighted the season’s technological advancements, noting that 2024 preliminary data shows “the most accurate NHC track forecasts ever issued at all forecast lead times.”
The Hurricane Hunter aircraft played a crucial role, flying 392 mission hours and passing through hurricane eyes 80 times. They deployed over 1,246 scientific instruments, providing critical data for understanding and predicting storm behaviour.
While the 2024 Atlantic season exceeded the typical average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, it ultimately fell within the predicted ranges issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center in August.
The Pacific hurricane season, in contrast, remained below normal, with 12 named storms in the eastern Pacific and just two in the central Pacific.