Latest news with #FirstWarningWeatherTeam
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Season 2025 has arrived: What to expect
AUSTIN (KXAN) – The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is officially off and running with Sunday marking the very first day of the season. Multiple factors go into determining our season, including El-Niño and La-Niña, sea surface temperatures, Saharan dust, and more. So, with multiple forecasts out there, the First Warning Weather Team has put together a few key details you need to know for the hurricane season. Track tropical development on The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on Sunday, June 1, and runs through Sunday, November 30. On average, the beginning of the hurricane season and the end of the season usually see lower activity with the peak of hurricane season landing on September 10 when sea surface temperatures are the warmest. Remember, the key ingredients for a tropical cyclone to develop are: sea surface temperatures at 80° or above, low upper-level wind shear, abundant moisture, and a pre-existing disturbance. Colorado State University released their annual forecast on Thursday, April 3, calling for an above-average season with 17 named storms, with 9 of them becoming hurricanes and 4 of those becoming major hurricanes, or Category 3 or stronger. This is just above average, which is 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 4 of those becoming major hurricanes. Over the past 5 years, only one season was right at average, with each of the other 4 years marking an above-average season. CSU cites a warmer-than-normal tropical Atlantic along with ENSO neutral conditions. They are predicting a potential La Niña farther into the season, which would favor storm formation and intensification. CSU forecasts above average Atlantic hurricane season The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its forecast on Thursday, May 22, and is also calling for an above-average season. Their forecast calls for 13-19 named storms, 6-10 of those becoming a hurricane, and 3-5 of those becoming a major hurricane. They are calling for a 60% chance of the season of an above-average season overall. They looked at warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for more activity from the West African Monsoon. They have also announced an upgrade to the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, which will give a 5% improvement to their tracking and intensity forecasts. NOAA releases 2025 Atlantic hurricane season outlook While storms develop over water and make landfall on the coast, Texas should always be weather aware and stay prepared should a storm hit the Texas Coast. While your area may be outside the cone of uncertainty, the effects of a tropical development can be felt for hundreds of miles away. Meteorologist Kristen Currie breaks down what you need to know now in order to stay safe during the hurricane season. The list of names is recycled every six years, with the most destructive storm names being retired from future years. Names such as Katrina, Harvey, Ian, and Sandy are just a few of the names no longer used. This year, the list begins with Andrea and ends with Wendy. Based on conditions through the Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf, during the first two months of the season, development is more likely along the East Coast of the United States and around the Gulf. While the development of storms during this time is less frequent, all the ingredients are there for some type of development. As we move into the peak of the season, conditions become more favorable throughout the Atlantic, including a reduction in Saharan dust and an increase in ocean temperatures along with weaker wind shear. The number of storms and their intensity dramatically increase. The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season was one for the books as it was an above-average season, but one storm in particular was of interest. In June of 2024, Beryl began its journey in the Atlantic, through the Lesser Antilles and into the Caribbean, becoming a Category 5 storm. As it approached and crossed the Yucatan Peninsula, the storm lost steam and was downgraded to a Tropical Storm before rapidly intensifying into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall near Matagorda, Texas. This was the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record for the Atlantic Ocean. Tropical tracker: Timeline of storms in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Hurricanes Kirk and Helene intensified into Category 4 hurricanes during their development, with Rafael becoming a Category 3 storm late in the season. The best way to think of the season is that it only ever takes one to hit near you for it to be considered an active season. Download the KXAN Weather App Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Williamson, Travis County judges order outdoor burn ban for Tuesday
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday evening, Travis County Judge Andy Brown and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell signed orders declaring a local state of disaster for their respective counties, which prohibited outdoor burning. KXAN's First Warning Weather Team said the Red Flag Warning for very high fire danger would last from Tuesday morning and continue through Tuesday night. Travis County Judge Brown urged the public to exercise caution and follow the burn ban. 'Protecting life and property is our priority at Travis County. While we hope for the best-case scenario, the Disaster Declaration will help prepare our wildfire response for the worst-case scenario,' Brown said. 'Even a small spark can spread rapidly and pose a serious threat to our homes and businesses. I ask all Travis County residents to avoid outdoor burning, keep cars off dry grass, and properly store trailer chains, so we can all do our part to minimize the risk of wildfires. Additionally, signing this declaration will allow Travis County to make all necessary preparations to quickly evacuate neighborhoods if needed and access state resources.' Williamson County said their order was issued due to 'severe drought and weather conditions that present a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.' Officials said the order can be lifted by a county judge if conditions improve. 'Based on the feedback from the National Weather Service, I am issuing this declaration. In addition to Tuesday being a Red Flag Warning Day, they feel weather conditions will be so extremely critical for fire danger in Central Texas that extra precautions must be taken,' Gravell said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
