We are currently in the infant stages of the 2010 hurricane season, which will conclude at the end of November. This season will be drastically different from the 2009 version. Last year was a very slow year with 9 named storms, and 3 of them that were classified as hurricanes.

One of the biggest reasons for the below average (average over the past 15 years is 14 names storms) season was primarily due to the El Nino in the Pacific Ocean. Along the eastern Pacific, the waters warm during the El Nino. In effect, this caused the mid and upper level winds along the Atlantic basin to strengthen. When winds are strong in the mid and upper levels, it is harder to produce a tropical cyclone.

However, this year there are two differences that will aid the formation of additional storms. First, the waters in the Atlantic Basin are warmer than average. A warm environment is the fuel to generate and strengthen these mighty beasts. Additionally, the El Nino is expected to shut down and slowly turn into a La Nina. Therefore, the waters in the eastern Pacific will cool down. In turn, unlike the El Nino effect, the mid and upper level winds over the Atlantic will weaken. A warm, calm setting will help to develop storms more often, and sturdier storms than in 2009.

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