19 Storms or Hurricanes Predicted for this Summer

by Maureen Dietrich
11 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Statistics show that Sinaloa is the second State most affected by tropical storms and hurricanes.

Due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, meteorologists are predicting 19 tropical cyclones in the Pacific region this summer, six more than the annual average of 13. Hurricane season in the Pacific begins May 15 and ends November 30.

In a video conference from Mexico City the coordinator of the National Meteorological Service, Juan Manuel Caballero González, said he could not give a definitive prediction as it will all depend on how El Niño develops.

He explained that if El Niño is strong, the central and north areas of the country will see an intense drought. If it is weak, we will have normal or above normal rain in the summer months of June, July and August.

Of the 19 events expected in the Pacific, eight are predicted to be tropical storms and 11 to be hurricanes, four of which will be intense and six moderate. The meteorologist added that historically only 2.9 storms directly affect coastal areas.

Statistics show that Sinaloa is the second State most affected by tropical storms and hurricanes with 41 direct hits. Last year, 14 storms lashed Sinaloa.

Mazatlán is definitely at risk for tropical storms particularly in September and October, said Caballero González.

For the Atlantic Ocean, the University of Colorado predicts less cyclone activity with seven named storms, four of which could become tropical storms and three hurricanes.

The names for Pacific tropical storms and hurricanes this year will be: Andrés, Blanca, Carlos, Dolores, Enrique, Felicia, Guillermo, Hilda, Ignacio, Jimena, Kevin, Linda, Marty, Nora, Olaf, Patricia, Rick, Sandra and Terry.

(from Noroeste)