Monday, June 1st marks the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The six-month long season ends on
November 30th each year.
However, the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes is possible at any time of the year, as shown by the formation of Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha on May 16th and 27th respectively.
This is the sixth consecutive year that storms have developed before the official start of the hurricane season.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which provides annual hurricane
forecasts, has predicted an “above average” season due to warm sea surface temperatures and a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation (no El Niño or La Niña). NOAA forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39
mph to 73 mph), 6 to 10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), and 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or
5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).
These forecasts are based on probabilities and the analysis of historical data. They are intended to provide an estimate of activity to be expected during the upcoming season – not an exact measure. It is important to note that the seasonal forecast do not indicate locations where systems will develop, how they will move or wherethey will strike. One or more of the named storms or hurricanes that is expected to develop this season, could directly impact St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The general public is therefore urged to prepare as usual for this hurricane season.
In keeping our mandate, The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services wishes to reassure the public that we will continue to monitor the weather conditions around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and issue the necessary public advisories in a timely manner. We will also coordinate with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) about the likely hazards accompanying these systems.
The public isadvised to pay close attention to the local radio and television stations as well as other media channels for weather related information issued by our office.
Visit our website, http://www.meteo.gov.vc also for daily weather forecasts updates and for seasonal outlooks,
which are updated monthly. To stay connected on social media, follow us on Facebook at,
https://facebook.com/svgweather
The names selected for the 2020 hurricane season are:
Arthur
Gonzalo
Marco
Vicky
Bertha
Hanna
Nana
Wilfred
Cristobal
Isaias
Omar
Dolly
Josephine
Rene
Edouard
Kyle
Sally
Fay
Laura
Teddy
