Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Indicators are pointing to a higher-than-average hurricane season for 2022, according to an early forecast from the Colorado State University (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project.
Seasons with above-average activity typically have 13-16 named storms, 6-8 hurricanes and 2-3 major hurricanes, but this year’s storm period, which will officially begin on May 15, 2022 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1, 2022 in the Atlantic Ocean, will be above average.
For the 2022 season, meteorologists anticipate at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes – four of which will be Category 3 or higher.
The 2022 forecast comes on the heels of the third most active hurricane season on record for named storms. The 2021 season had 21 named storms, including seven hurricanes. The period saw four major hurricanes (category 3-5) and trailed only 2020 (30 named storms) and 2005 (28 named storms).
The CSU report mentions that a bulletin issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) determined that the “La Niña” phenomenon will continue for the next few months in the Equatorial Pacific, which can considerably affect the climate and lead to a more intense hurricane season in Mexico’s coastal regions
States located near the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are expected to be the most likely to experience this type of phenomenon. The entities that are most at risk are Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, Veracruz and Tamaulipas, experts say.
As hurricane season approaches, staying informed, making sure your insurance policies are up to date, and having an emergency kit and plan ready are all important preparation steps.