Scientists predict 'extraordinary' hurricane season

Canada could feel impact of stronger Atlantic storms

- KATE ALLEN

Destroyed houses sit perched on rocks following hurricane Fiona in Burnt Island, N.L., in 2022. Scientists at Environment Canada have warned Canadians to prepare for hurricanes this year.

Forecasters on Thursday warned of an “extraordinary” upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, with the greatest number of storms the agency has ever predicted in its spring outlook amid ongoing concerns over record-shattering ocean temperatures.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted between 17 and 25 named storms in the Atlantic this season, which starts in just over a week on June 1. Of those, eight to 13 could become hurricanes, forecasters said, and four to seven could become major hurricanes.

“All the ingredients are definitely in place to have an active season,” said Ken Graham, director of the U.S. National Weather Service. “It’s reason to be concerned of course, but not alarmed … you definitely need to take the time to plan and be ready for it.”

Scientists at Environment and Climate Change Canada also warned Canadians to prepare early, especially since climate change is making the strongest storms more intense, and some evidence suggests warming is shifting hurricanes further north.