The 2021 hurricane season is approaching.
Magic Kingdom
Here at DFB, we keep a close eye on these storms so you know how they may impact your Disney World vacation. And with the season starting soon — on June 1st, to be exact — we’re taking a look at the first formal prediction.
Keep in mind that while the official hurricane season does begin on June 1st, the last 6 consecutive Atlantic hurricane seasons have started with storms prior to this date — and it’s looking like 2021 will be no exception. Now, Colorado State University (CSU) has predicted an “above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2021,” citing the absence of El Nino as a primary factor.
Epcot Rain Clouds
According to CSU, the tropical Pacific currently has La Nina conditions (although they are weak), so water temperatures are cooler than normal. This means that El Nino conditions, which help break apart hurricanes as they form, will likely not be present for the peak of hurricane season. We should also see much warmer water in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, which favors an active season.
Rain, rain, go away!
The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project is currently predicting 17 named storms throughout the season (June 1st to November 30th). Eight are expected to become hurricanes, while 4 are predicted to reach “major hurricane strength.” That means sustained winds will be 111 miles per hour or greater. We’ve previously informed you that the average number of storms for a season is 14 with seven hurricanes, although CSU lists a slightly lower average. Either way, we’re expecting higher-than-normal activity this year.
©Colorado State University
But just how active will this season be? Colorado State experts are predicting that hurricane activity this year will be about 140% of the average season. To put that into perspective for you, last year’s activity was 170% of the average season (with 6 landfalling continental U.S. hurricanes). So while it will be a busier season than usual, we shouldn’t reach last year’s levels.
Light Crowds in Adventureland in Hurricane Season
Landfalling probability — which is the probability that a major hurricane will make landfall — is 69% for the entire U.S. coastline and 45% for the East Coast (that includes the Florida peninsula). The average over the last century for that East Coast prediction is just 31%.
Magic Kingdom During a Hurricane
In addition to these predictions (and some other data we’ve evaluated), we’ve shared the chosen names of the some of the hurricanes! We’ll see another forecast update from the CSU team on June 3rd, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will release predictions in May. We’ll be sure to keep you posted, so stay tuned to DFB!
Here Are Our Tips for Hurricane Season in Disney World!
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Are you visiting Disney World during hurricane season? Let us know in the comments!
The post Experts Predict “Above-Average” Activity for 2021 Hurricane Season first appeared on the disney food blog.