Summary
Weather experts say that a "super" El Niño might occur, affecting the Atlantic hurricane season. Although El Niño can decrease the number of hurricanes, warm ocean waters in the Atlantic might still lead to strong storms.
Key Facts
- El Niño is a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that can affect global weather, including the hurricane season.
- El Niño generally causes fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic but more in the Eastern and Central Pacific.
- AccuWeather predicts 11 to 16 named storms, with 4 to 7 hurricanes this season.
- There is a 15% chance of a "super" El Niño, which means ocean temperatures are 2 degrees Celsius above average.
- El Niño could increase wind shear in the Atlantic, making it harder for storms to form.
- Warm ocean waters in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf could still lead to intense storms.
- The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30.
