While the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, for the past several years, the season has kicked off early, which means it’s a wise move to look ahead and start preparing well in advance.
What to expect for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season
While forecasters say it is still too early to attempt forecasting the number of named storms and hurricanes, it’s prudent to make some best-guess assumptions based upon recent history.
Forecasters predict that 2022 will be the seventh consecutive Atlantic hurricane season with above-average activity.
In mid-April, the two most important forecasts for the forthcoming hurricane season will be issued by the Climate Adaptation Center and researchers from Colorado State University and one from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
2022 season names
The list of 21 names for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season has been issued. They are Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gastone, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Carl, Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virginie, and Walter.
Last seven seasons started early, last six above-average activity
There are 14 named storms and seven hurricanes in a typical Atlantic hurricane season, with three of those being major (Category 3 or above). The United States has not experienced an average hurricane season in years.
The 2021 hurricane season was the seventh consecutive season to start early, as well as the sixth straight season with above-average activity, 4 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher), and the third season in history to exhaust the regular list of 21 storm names, with eight storms making landfall in the US.
The 2020 hurricane season ended with a record-breaking 30 named storms, 12 of which made landfall in the US.
Fast facts about hurricane categories
Hurricanes are categorized according to wind speeds, determined by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Here is a brief guide to the categories.
Category 1: Sustained winds of 74-95 mph. Effect: Very dangerous winds will produce some damage.
Category 2: Sustained winds of 96-110 mph. Effect: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.
Category 3 (major): Sustained winds of 111-129 mph. Effect: Devastating damage will occur.
Category 4 (major): Sustained winds of 130-156 mph. Effect: Catastrophic damage will occur.
Category 5 (major): Sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. Effect: Catastrophic damage will occur.
