Focus at Four: Chief Meteorologist on the NOAA hurricane outlook
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict an 85% chance for an “above-normal” hurricane season.
First Alert Chief Meteorologist Max Crawford said though, that is not always an indication of how the season will be.
“Some of the years that have been below average have given the state of Texas some of the biggest storms that we’ve dealt with over the past generation or two,” he said.
Crawford mentioned that the past month of storms are more of an indication of a global pattern than hurricane season itself.
“We had that terrible drought in both 2022 and 2023. So we needed the extra rain that we got, and then we got way too much of it. But that happens sometimes in the Texas spring, where you have El Nino, and we are transitioning now to a La Nina summer, which makes it more conducive for Atlantic development,” he said.
While there is no tropical activity in the gulf right now, but there are indications that conditions are right for hurricane formation.
“Waters from the Gulf of Mexico to the Florida coastline, all the way back down towards the equator are about the temperature that they normally are in early August and it is what June 3rd. So everything is primed and ready to go once the winds start calming down,” he said.
Crawford said to stay weather-aware, and make sure to be prepared should something head our way.
“The things that you need are about the same. You need some batteries, you need some drinking water up to a gallon or so for all the folks in your family. Maybe some nonperishable food as you get your stuff ready for the Summer Hunger Food Drive, maybe save a little bit for you for severe weather. And of course, just stick with us as we keep you updated throughout the summer,” he said.
