By Javan Flowers
June 1st marks the Atlantic Hurricane season's official start, but officials are already tracking the first tropical wave of 2022.
As reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), "the latest satellite imagery shows an area of numerous moderate to isolated strong convection.” The NHC added, "Tropical wave guidance has it moving westward over the next 24-48 hours, passing well to the south of the Cabo Verde Islands."
While this wave is not forecasted to develop further, it serves as a strong reminder of the upcoming hurricane season and the threats posed to low-lying and flood-prone areas.
"The wave currently resides off the West side of Africa, an area that's notorious for developing some of the most intense hurricanes on the planet. The good news is that this region of the globe is nowhere close to producing storms. Water temperatures are still too cool, and wind shear is present, [both of which] are storm killers," says FOX 35 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist Jayme King.
In lieu of a forecast outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that is expected to be released in the coming weeks, Colorado State University released its first extended-range forecast for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, in which researchers are anticipating "above-normal activity" with an estimated 19 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.
It is simulated that there is an above-average probability of major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and the Caribbean.
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