2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Issued May 27^th  2024

The official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season is a few days away. How prepared are you? June 1st officially marks the beginning of 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which will run until November 30th.

Based on long-term averages, in an average season there are about fourteen (14) named storms; seven (7) become hurricanes of which three (3) are usually major hurricanes (with winds 111 mph or higher).

This year, all institutions have issued their predictions for a hyper-active season. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an 85% chance that the upcoming season will be above-normal.

The above-normal activity, predicted this year, is attributed to the following main factors:
• Near record warm temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Warm ocean waters are a source of fuel for hurricanes and storms.

• The development of La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean by the peak of the season (Aug to Oct). La Niña results in a reduction in upper level winds across the Caribbean, favoring the formation and intensification of Atlantic hurricanes.

In addition to the prediction of a hyper-active hurricane season, an extreme heat season (June-Oct) is also forecasted for the Caribbean region. Hotter than usual temperatures for June to August as well as intense night-time and daytime heat with increasing humidity through September. Heat events are expected to become more frequent, more extreme, and longer in duration globally, therefore we need to understand how heat impacts human health and what we can do to prevent impacts.
Please note that no matter how many tropical cyclones are forecast to develop, there is no way to predict so many weeks or months in advance where a certain tropical cyclone is expected to develop or what country it will make landfall.

Remember, that it takes only one major hurricane to make landfall on our island to make it an active season for us. We must also be conscious of the fact that, it does not have to be a storm or a hurricane, an active tropical wave or just 2 to 3 hours of heavy rainfall can have devastating impacts on our lives. The geographical location of our island makes us vulnerable to these forms of natural disasters consequently being prepared and well informed is key.

As we begin yet another hurricane season let us learn from our past experiences and do all in our power to prepare adequately and to seek credible information in order to make timely decisions that will protect life and property.

The Meteorological Department St. Maarten (MDS) will monitor the development of all tropical systems closely and will issue watches or warnings when it becomes necessary using various communication mediums; radio, newspaper, its website (www.meteosxm.com) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/sxmweather). You can also subscribe to our WhatsApp Community Groups for alerts.