HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The peak of the hurricane season for the Atlantic basin was September 10. Normally, that is when the tropics would be the most active, but this year it has been quiet.
Tropical Storm Gabrielle formed on Wednesday morning in the western Atlantic. The system has maximum winds of 50 mph and is tracking northwest at 14 mph.
The tropical system is forecast to move into a favorable environment to support further development in the coming days. Gabrielle is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane by Sunday.
Transition to La Niña to impact Hurricane Season:
ENSO, or El Niño Southern Oscillation, is an ocean-atmospheric climate pattern comprising La Niña, El Niño, and a neutral phase. La Niña is a cooling of the equatorial Pacific water, while El Niño is a warming of the equatorial Pacific water.
The warming and cooling of this part of the ocean can have an influence on jet stream patterns that affect the United States and the Atlantic hurricane season.
La Niña also plays a role in the Atlantic hurricane season in that it reduces the amount of wind shear in the Atlantic Basin, which can lead to better ingredients for tropical cyclone development.
The transition from a neutral to a La Niña phase is expected through the next few months.
Hurricane season runs through November 30. Stick with The Weather Authority for the latest on any tropical systems that develop.
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