WILLEMSTAD - Researchers from the University of Colorado have forecasted 23 storms for the upcoming hurricane season, surpassing last year's count of twenty storms.
The study reveals that the surface temperature of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea remains high and is steadily increasing, creating 'favorable' conditions for hurricane formation. Reports at the end of January suggested that this year's hurricane season would be notably active, exceeding 30 percent above the average.
One contributing factor is the transition from the El Niño phenomenon to La Niña, resulting in warmer waters and an uptick in named storms. Moreover, experts anticipate a significant shift in the hurricane season's pattern.
Although Curaçao is not situated within the traditional 'hurricane belt,' reducing its likelihood of hurricanes compared to other Caribbean nations, the island will still feel the impact of storms in adjacent regions.
On average, fourteen storms occur per hurricane season. As the new season approaches, authorities and residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions.