Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Intrepid, Inaccurate Hurricane Forecasters Try Again


Once again, it's that time of year when the "experts" try to forecast hurricane activity for the coming season.


One of those experts, who's been at it for a number of years, is Colorado State meteorologist William Gray. His forecast for this season, which starts in June: "a well above-average Atlantic basin tropical cyclone season in 2008" with "an above-average probability of United States major hurricane landfall." The details are here.


Okay, but don't rush out to Home Depot for plywood, bottled water, a generator and a chain saw just yet.


These were the same guys who told us the past two years that we would also have "above-average" hurricane seasons, only to have us end up (thankfully) with well BELOW the average for Atlantic tropical activity. Nor did they hit the mark--or even come close--in 2005 when we had a whopper of a season that broke numerous records and included Katrina.


No doubt, just by the luck of the draw, these guys will eventually come close. After all, there's really only three forecasts: below average, average and above average. Surely, after two below average years, the chances of a more active season this year are pretty good. But then, you hardly needed an "expert"--especially one who's been notably unreliable in the past--to tell you that.

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