Monarch Weather Weekly: October 20, 2024

Atlantic Hurricane Season Officially Above-Average

Oscar has become the 10th hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season and is expected to reach eastern Cuba tonight. See forecast track below. Nadine, which formed early Saturday in the western Caribbean, brought heavy rain to parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

So far, 15 named storms have formed this season, with 10 becoming hurricanes - 4 reaching Category 3 or higher. After a brief lull, a recent surge has pushed the season beyond typical levels. On average, 7 hurricanes form each season, with 3 becoming major storms. This year’s heightened activity reflects the impact of warming seas driven by climate change. Monarch meteorologists have prepared clients through hurricane readiness consulting, interactive dashboards, and 24/7 alerts, ensuring they stay protected through every storm.

Winter Outlook Released

As October winds down, Monarch clients are preparing for winter. Sectors like supply chain, restoration, construction, public works, and real estate rely on us to manage weather risks and maintain smooth operations.

A weak La Niña is developing, bringing warmer-than-average temperatures to the South and East, with above-average precipitation in northern regions from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest. Drier conditions may persist in the South, but La Niña’s interaction with our changing climate could trigger severe storms in the Southeast and Mississippi Valley.

Whatever winter brings, Monarch is ready to keep you prepared and protected.

Pacific Northwest Sees Atmospheric River

After one of the season’s first atmospheric rivers, the Pacific Northwest is set to see more of these moisture-rich systems this fall. These patterns bring both rain and snow as they move in from the west. Fortunately, the first event was mild, with another expected later this week. Washington, Oregon, and Idaho can expect moderate rain, with multi-day totals of 2 to 4 inches and locally higher amounts. Flooding will likely be isolated.

Monarch meteorologists deliver precise flood risk assessments, factoring in rainfall rates, duration, topography, and soil moisture. Total rainfall through Thursday below.

International Stories

Antarctica is Turning Green
Climate change has steadily warmed Antarctica, driving a noticeable transformation. Since 1986, greening along the Antarctic Peninsula has expanded from just 1 square mile to over 14 square miles. At the same time, sea and glacier ice in the region continues to melt at a similar pace.

La Niña Could Revive European Ski Resorts
In recent years, declining snowfall has forced some ski resorts in the Alps to close. However, with a shift toward La Niña, colder air and more frequent snowfall could return, setting the stage for a much-needed bounce-back season after multiple winters of poor conditions.

South America Is Growing Hotter, Drier, and More Flammable
Many regions in South America, including the northern Amazon, Gran Chaco, and Maracaibo, are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. Since the 1970s, these areas have experienced over 40 additional dry days and 40 to 80 more warm days annually. This rise in heat and dryness has drastically heightened the risk of wildfires, leaving some areas with nearly 100 more fire-prone days each year.


***

About Monarch Weather & Climate Intelligence

Visit our homepage www.monarchweather.com or message us directly Team@MonarchWeather.com.

Monarch challenges leaders to discover a new way to forecast their business. Keep Monarch on your Radar.

We are a woman-owned business with a team of Certified Consulting Meteorologists (CCM) and GIS Analysts, providing meteorological and climate services via custom forecasting, modeling and advisory within the insurance, tech, energy, real estate, transportation and agricultural sectors.

Related Articles