So far the news is good for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season that started on June 1. Data provided to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via satellite indicates that sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic are below normal and could hinder hurricane development. Hurricane genesis typically relies on sea temperatures greater than 80° F.
But, according to NASA’s William Patzert, “You can be clobbered no matter what the outlook is.” Mariners need to maintain a sharp weather eye.
NOAA predicts a 70 percent chance of having nine to 14 named storms during the season that runs from June to November. Their scientists predict that four to seven of these storms could become hurricanes, with one to three as severe as Category 3, 4 or 5.
