With conditions in the Atlantic Ocean favorable for tropical development, the National Hurricane Center has issued this 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook. Forecasters believe this season will see above-average activity, though below-average strength.
“The major concern this season is the potential for rapid strengthening of an area of disturbed weather in the southwestern Atlantic. Strong upper-level winds associated with a large ridge and low pressure system should help to slow development of the low-pressure system. Additional weak waves may develop, but are expected to remain disorganized over the next three days. An average season has 12 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the National Hurricane Center.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 30.
Gerry Bell, Ph.D.
National Hurricane Center
National Hurricane Center