Hurricane season comes every year during the summer to autumn months in the Pacific basin, with an observable uptake of harsh wind and rain. The severity of each season tends to differ year on year, with some seasons seeing particularly devastating hurricanes. The NOAA has released their outlook for the 2019 season. According to forecasters, this year will see above-average cyclone activity.
When does hurricane season officially start?
Hurricane season began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and in the central Pacific, it begins on June 1.
Both seasons will come to an end by November 30 later this year.
These dates note when the most hurricanes and cyclones will form annually.
READ MORE: Forecasters urge to PREPARE for hurricanes
Other major weather systems, including named hurricanes, will also form ‘offseason’ such as hurricane Adrian in 2017.
Hurricanes during this period are fuelled by an El-Nino – a band of warm water in the Pacific which provides the perfect conditions for storms to breed.
This year, the El Nino is expected to stay put in the Pacific and facilitate an above-average hurricane season.
According to the NOAA, there is a 70 percent chance there will be above-normal cyclone activity in 2019.
READ MORE: Storm Andrea path tracker
The NOAA predicts five to eight tropical cyclones to form in the Pacific this year, including named storms.
Gerry Bell, NOAA’s lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at the Climate Prediction Centre, said this is due to above-normal ocean temperatures.
He said: “This outlook reflects the forecast for El Nino to likely continue through the hurricane season.
“Also, ocean temperatures in the main hurricane formation region are expected to remain above-average, and vertical wind shear is predicted to be weaker-than-average.”
READ MORE: Major hurricane and storm forecast
“All of these conditions point to an above-normal season.”
Chris Brenchley, director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Centre, advised people to start preparing for the season now.
He said: “As we prepare for another active hurricane season in the central Pacific, we urge everyone to have an emergency plan now so that you are ready for the devastating impacts that a tropical cyclone could bring to the State of Hawaii.
“It is essential that you know where and how to get official information, even in the event of a power failure, and that you have your emergency supply kit ready well before any storms threaten.”