Saturday, April 07, 2007

William Gray (Colorado State University) Revises 2007 Hurricane Predictions for Atlantic Ocean

Dr. William Gray, along with his colleague, Phil Klotzbach, at the Department of Atmospheric Science of Colorado State University, recently revised his forecast for the 2007 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, upgrading the number of storms from his previous forecast made in December, 2006.

Largely due to the rapid dissemination of El Nino conditions, they are now calling for a very active hurricane season.  Landfall probabilities for the 2007 hurricane season are well above their long-period averages.  Predictions now call for 17 named storms between June 1 and November 30, 2007, with nine becoming hurricanes.  Of those which do reach hurricane strength, it is forecast that five will become major hurricanes.  It’s unusual that this forecast is identical to their 2006 predictions.

Historically, Bonaire lies well below normal storm paths, but the island can receive some wind, rain, or storm surge when a storm passes nearby. 

Additional detailed information on Dr. Gray’s forecast can be viewed by clicking here.  (Source:  Colorado State University Web Site)