cbsnews.com
Unusually Quiet Atlantic Hurricane Season: Saharan Dust and ENSO Neutral Conditions Play a Role
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been quieter than expected due to increased Saharan dust and ENSO-neutral conditions, although NOAA still predicts an above-average season.
- What are the primary factors contributing to the unusually low number of hurricanes in the 2024 Atlantic season?
- Increased Saharan dust, preventing thunderstorm development necessary for tropical cyclone formation, and ENSO-neutral conditions (neither El Niño nor La Niña present), which typically influence hurricane development in the Atlantic, are the main contributing factors. High pressure in the North-Central Atlantic further contributes to the movement of dry dust.
- What is the outlook for the remainder of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and what are the potential impacts?
- NOAA predicts 13-18 named storms, with up to nine hurricanes and five major hurricanes. 60% of the season remains. While currently quieter than usual, the season is far from over and the potential for increased hurricane activity as the season progresses remains with potential impacts including landfall and associated damage and devastation.
- How does the current situation compare to previous years, and what are the broader implications of this unusual pattern?
- As of September 10th, six named storms have formed, with only one reaching hurricane strength. This is comparable to last year's number of storms by this date, but fewer made landfall in the U.S.. The current pattern signals a transition to La Niña, which usually increases Atlantic hurricane activity, indicating that the quieter period might not last.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the unusually quiet Atlantic hurricane season, acknowledging both the unexpected lack of activity and the NOAA's prediction of an above-average season. The inclusion of historical data and explanations of meteorological factors (Saharan dust, ENSO Neutral conditions) contributes to a neutral framing. However, the concluding sentence, "Hurricane season is still far from over," subtly emphasizes the potential for future storms, which could be interpreted as slightly alarmist, although factually accurate.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. Terms like "menacing storms" could be considered slightly sensationalistic, but this is common in weather reporting. The use of "quiet" to describe the season is objective and factually supported. Overall, the language is more informative than persuasive.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview, it could benefit from mentioning the economic and social impacts of a potentially above-average season, even if it is quieter than usual currently. Also, specifying the geographic areas most at risk from the predicted storms would enhance the article's completeness. The focus on the US might be considered omission.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the unusually low number of hurricanes in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. This is partly attributed to increased Saharan dust and ENSO-neutral conditions. While the season is not over and NOAA predicts above-average activity, the current lower-than-expected number of storms has a positive impact on Climate Action by reducing immediate risks of hurricane-related damage and displacement. Fewer hurricanes mean less destruction of property, infrastructure, and ecosystems, lowering the climate change impact.