MAIN Science Weather Hurricanes

2012 Hurricane Names
also see-> How do hurricanes get their names?

How hurricanes form

For hurricanes to form, several ingredients are necessary. These include warm water temperatures at precisely 80 degrees or higher, the proper height of atmospheric moisture levels, and a rain storm developing nearby.

How to cook up a hurricane

Ingredients:
1 large ocean
1 very moist air layer
1 forming storm system (i.e., "tropical disturbance")
1 weak wind sheer

Instructions:
1. Preheat tropical ocean waters to 80 degrees to a depth of 50 meters (150 feet).
2. Sprinkle in a dense level of moist air about 3 miles into the atmosphere.
3. Mix in a a developing storm system.
4. Finally, make sure to turn down the velocity of any oncoming wind sheer. Strong incoming gusts can ruin your otherwise perfectly formed hurricane.

Remember to serve with a hurricane watch or hurricane warning. If you've done it right, this one's going to be doozy!

2012 hurricane season outlook

The 2012 hurricane season may result in as many as 12 named tropical storms, including up to seven hurricanes, says The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

An average season will bring 11 storms, six mid-level hurricanes and two major hurricanes in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

2012 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and ends November 30, although traditionally peak hurricane season is always more likely to occur between the months of August - November

Meanwhile, as global climate change heats up the atmosphere, scientists have warned of increased hurricane activity in the years ahead owing to two major ingredients necessary for hurricanes to form. That is: heat and moisture.

Hurricane facts, information & images around the Web:

Throughout hurricane season, keep it here for hurricane updates along with tips on how to stay safe before, during and after a major hurricane or tropical storm.

NOAA Hurricane & Tropical Storm Updates -From the National Weather Service featuring official storm trackers and announcements including maps, satellite photos and animations, safety tips and the latest hurricane updates & advisories.

NASA Hurricane Images - Get the latest satellite images of hurricanes forming in the Atlantic and Pacific, including video clips from high above the earth courtesy of the International Space Station.

Hurricanes - online meteorology guide - University of Illinois guide with a cool "fly through a 3D hurricane" feature plus information on how hurricanes form and develop, hurricane observation and tracking, preparation and safety tips.

Hurricanes Safety Checklist - American Red Cross guide to the science behind hurricane formulation including photos & illustrations, a discussion on hurricane ratings, what to do before, during, and after a hurricane, with related resources.

Hurricane: Storm Science - Fun, fascinating online exhibition from the Miami Science Center with photos, animations, information and safety guides, interactive games and suggestions for classroom activities.

Weather Wiz Kids - Hurricane - Kid-friendly guide to monster storms featuring photos and illustrations plus information on how, why and where they form. Also includes a glossary of hurricane lingo, related resources and lessons plans for teachers.

also see in Science -> Earthquakes | Tornadoes | Tsunamis

also see in Go Green -> Greenhouse Gases