CSU atmospheric scientist Phil Klotzbach joins other experts saying that the accuracy of the Hurricane Ida forecast from the National Hurricane Center was spot-on. (USA Today)
"We used to observe storms less frequently and with satellites that had lower resolution, and consequently, we likely couldn't measure rapid intensification as well as we can now." (CNN)
The team predicts 18 named storms in 2021, including the five named storms that have already formed.
CSU’s Tropical Meteorology Project increased its forecast to 20 named storms and nine hurricanes. In April, it had predicted the 2021 season would net 17 named storms and eight hurricanes. (Smithsonian Magazine)
According to CSU's Phil Klotzbach, Claudette is the fifth-earliest third-named storm on record since 1950. The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season is forecast to be an active one. (Washington Post)
“It would probably be extremely unlikely to get more than five named storms at once in the Atlantic. I always figure we can take the most storms that we’ve ever observed and add one,” Klotzbach said. (Orlando Sentinel)
As the Pacific returns to neutral from La Nina, the pressure will drop off, but both states lead to less wind shear, which allows hurricanes and tropical storms to grow stronger. (Bloomberg)
Here's a great explanation by Denver Channel's Mike Nelson on the factors that contribute to CSU's hurricane forecast – and why that forecast comes from a mile above sea level.
Of 17 named storms they're predicting, researchers expect eight to become hurricanes and four to reach major hurricane strength this season.
The season broke the single-season Atlantic named storm record with 30 named storms and also featured 13 hurricanes and six major hurricanes.