Sustainability First: Hurricane Season May Be Longer Because of Climate Change

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamians are no strangers to hurricanes and the season which runs from June 1st to November 30th. 

But now, researchers are concerned that the season is seemingly getting longer saying in 2023, that seven of the last eight years there were named storms forming before the official start of hurricane season on June first.

The reason? Researchers are putting it down to climate change. Storms need waters of at least 80 degrees to form, and with the Gulf of Mexico warming at twice the rate of the global ocean from 1970 to 2020, the oceans are keeping those conditions favorable for storm formation longer.

So what does this mean for us?

While we always prepare for June first, it may be worth keeping hurricane prep supplies closer on hand earlier than before.

So far, 15 tropical cyclones have formed, all of them becoming named storms, and 10 of them have made landfall.

While we may be out of the peak season, it’s important to remember the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted 17 to 25 named storms before the start of this year’s Atlantic Hurricane season, so residents should still be prepared.

Now is a good time to double check your hurricane supply list.

Things like making sure you have enough non-perishable food and water for each person for three to seven days, a battery-operated radio and clock, and cash.