Scientists predict more storms like Beryl in 2024 hurricane season

Based on the rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl, scientists predict that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season will be filled with the worst storms yet.

In an Associated Press article highlighting Beryl’s historic development, experts say warmer weather in the Atlantic and Caribbean will bring about a busy season.

“Beryl broke multiple records even before it approached land with major hurricane-force winds. This powerful storm is behaving like the monsters that form at the peak of hurricane season, due primarily to ocean temperatures that are at or above normal September temperatures for the region,” five hurricane experts told The Associated Press.

Beryl set a new record for the fastest Category 4 storm with wind speeds of over 130 mph (209 kph), and the first Category 4 storm to reach that level in June. It was also the fastest storm to rapidly intensify to 63 mph (102 kph) in 24 hours, growing from an unnamed low to a Category 4 storm in 48 hours.

According to the Associated Press, forecasters predicted this would be a tough year months ago, but are now comparing it to the busiest year on record: 1933, and 2005, which saw Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Dennis.

“These are the kinds of freak storms we’re expecting this year – they’re happening at times and places they shouldn’t,” said Brian McNoldy, a tropical meteorology researcher at the University of Miami. “Not only are storms forming, intensifying, and reaching higher intensities, but there’s an increased chance of rapid intensification. All of this is happening right now, and it won’t be the last time.”

Atlantic waters have been abnormally warm since March 2023 and record warm since April 2023. Klotzbach said the high pressure system that normally produces cooling trade winds has since collapsed and hasn’t returned.