Atlantic forecast

According to the forecasts by researchers William Gray and Philip Klotzbach of Colorado State University, the hurricane season this year in the Atlantic (June 1 to November 30) will feature hurricane and tropical storm activity exceeding the historical average from 1950 to 2000.

An estimated 17 events, including tropical storms and hurricanes, are forecasted. Eight are of tropical storm intensity, four are moderate hurricanes (categories 1 or 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale), and five are severe hurricanes (categories 3, 4, or 5).

Photo: E.Pacheco

Pacific forecast

Seasonal activity for 2006 in the Northeast Pacific (May 15 to November 30) is expected to be lower than the 1970 to 2005 average, with the potential formation of 11 tropical systems, five of which will reach tropical storm intensity, four are expected to become moderate hurricanes, and two are expected to become severe hurricanes.

Stages of a tropical cyclone

Tropical depression: tropical cyclone in which the maximum average surface wind speed (average speed per minute) is 62 km/h or less.

Tropical storm: an organized warm-core tropical cyclone with average surface wind speeds (average speed per minute) between 63 and 117 km/h.

Hurricane: warm-core tropical cyclone with average maximum surface wind speeds (average speed per minute) of 118 km/h or higher.