Posted at 7:34 a.m., Monday, May 22, 2006
Two to three hurricanes forecast for central Pacific
By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer
"Many factors are considered in the seasonal hurricane outlook," said Jim Weyman, director of NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center. "Data from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center shows near normal tropical ocean temperatures, which typically means less tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific. In addition, atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns will likely produce a below-normal season in the eastern Pacific. Fewer storms in the eastern Pacific will contribute to a below normal season in the central Pacific."
In contrast, NOAA is predicting a "very active" hurricane season for the north Atlantic, with 13 to 16 named storms, eight to 10 of which are expected to be full-fledged hurricanes.
