Hurricane Elsa is seen in this photo taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station July 7, 2021. It was the first hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season and the fifth-earliest named storm ever recorded.Just over two months have passed since the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. We can expect to see more named storms and hurricanes than previously forecasted by experts, before the season ends on November 30.Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated their May 20 hurricane forecast in an online briefing. Live Science reported that they had previously warned of above-normal hurricane activity in May. Their update confirmed that there are atmospheric and ocean conditions favoring higher-than-average storm activity.According to NOAA, one such factor is the possibility of a La Nia emerging. This climate pattern pushes warm water in the Pacific Ocean towards Asia and carries cooler waters to the western coast of North America. Matthew Rosencrans from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center spoke at the briefing that Atlantic hurricane season can be even more severe if La Nia is dominant, and the waters around the equatorial Atlantic are cooler.Related: Hurricane season 2021: How it lasts, and what you can expectThe new outlook by NOAA indicates that there will be 15 to 21 named storms this season, as opposed to the 13 to 20 storms predicted in May. Seven to ten of those storms will likely become hurricane-force, while six to ten hurricanes were predicted in May. Rosencrans stated that there is no change in the expected number of major hurricanes, those strengthening to Category 3 (178 km/h), with winds at least 111 mph (178km/h). There are three to five such storms anticipated.He said that there was now a 65% chance of an above-normal year, a 25% chance of a near-normal year, and a 10% chance to have a below-normal. Rosencrans stated that the Atlantic's sea surface temperatures are cooler than last year and it is likely that this hurricane season will not be as active in 2020.The 2021 hurricane season has just begun, but it already holds a record. Five named storms have been formed, with Elsa being the fifth hurricane. Rosencrans stated that Elsa made landfall in Florida July 7th, and was the fifth-earliest Atlantic named storm to form. The season's activity is "no signs of slowing down as it enters peak months," Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator, stated in a statement. (Peak hurricane season runs from mid-August to October.NOAA researchers have confirmed that the Atlantic hurricane season in 2021 will likely see more activity than average. Image credit: NOAAIf you live near a high-risk area, how can you prepare for hurricane season? According to the NOAA statement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready.gov website provides information about how to prepare your home for hurricanes and how to stay safe during them. NOAA also recommends visiting Hurricanes.gov to keep up with hurricane warnings and updates as they develop.Rosencrans stated that "now is the time to be alert about preparedness plans, and possible actions." "Hurricanes can cause more than just damage from wind gusts. They can also lead to dangerous storm surges and torrential rain that causes flooding. It doesn't matter how severe the storm is, one storm can have devastating effects on people and communities.Original publication on Live Science
