NOAA Releases Update on Hurricane Forecast

As we approach the peak of the 2007 hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has lowered the expected number of storms, but the likelihood of above-normal activity has increased.

NOAA, in a release dated August 9, lowered its predicted number of storms slightly, from 13-17 to 13-16. It also said there was an 85% chance of a busy hurricane season. This was increased from an earlier 75% chance.

Other hurricane predictors had already made similar downward estimates of the number of hurricanes. MA-based WSI Corp, a supplier of weather information to energy traders, two weeks ago lowered its forecast. As reported by Associated Press, hurricane researcher William Gray of Colorado State University also lowered his forcast last week.

I guess for the professional forecasters, a slight change such as this might have some meaning, perhaps in their prediction models. But for the general public, nothing has really changed. We're still about to hit peak season, and we'd still better be ready to take what Mother Nature is sure to dish out over the next several months.

Regards,
Stormy