Mariners, take heed. NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center and it’s Climate Prediction Center are expecting “a 50% chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity” during this year’s hurricane season in the central Pacific region.
The two National Weather Service divisions also said the outlook may have a “35% chance for near-normal activity, and only a 15% chance of a below-normal hurricane season.”
About four to seven tropical cyclones are predicted for the central Pacific hurricane region for the 2023 season, which runs through Nov. 30.
“The last few hurricane seasons have been pretty quiet around Hawaii, luring some folks to let their guard down,” Chris Brenchley, director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said. “Now it’s looking like this season will be more active than the past several years. It’s more important than ever to review your emergency plan and supply kit now, so you will be prepared for the next hurricane threat.”
NOAA’s lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Center Matthew Rosencrans said that “a key factor influencing our forecast is the predicted arrival of El Nino this summer, which typically contributes to an increase in tropical cyclone activity across the Pacific Ocean basin.”
