1st June, 2021
2021 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Service wishes to endorse the predictions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as its official Seasonal Outlook for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30th and NOAA is predicting a sixty percent (60%) chance of an “above average” season with 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph to 73 mph er), 6 to 10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), and 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Based on data from the new climatological period, 1991 to 2020, an average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
The main reasons for an above average hurricane season are warmer than average sea-surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation, which is likely to transition to La Niña by the peak of the season.
For the first three (3) months of the hurricane season, the national rainfall outlook suggests the likelihood of below average rainfall, however there still exist the possibility for flash flooding. The months of September to November are likely to receive above average rainfall amounts, during which the potential for flooding is elevated.
It must be noted that the forecasts by no means indicate locations where systems will develop, how they will move or where they will strike. Therefore, the public, relevant agencies and ministries are advised to adopt measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the Hurricane/Wet Season.
Also, due to the anticipation of lahars/mudflows during heavy rainfall, the public is strongly urged to be vigilant in communities in the red and orange zones of the La Soufriere volcanic hazard map.
How to access warning messages…
Website: http://www.meteo.gov.vc
Facebook: https://facebook.com/svgweather
Common Alerting Protocol: Download instruction http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/index.php/home/cap-link
Email: Join our mailing list by sending a request to
Local media: Keep informed by listening local radio and television stations for advisories, as well as daily weather updates at 6 am, 12 pm and 6 pm.
The names selected for the 2021 Hurricane Season are:
Ana, Bill, Claudette, Danny, Elsa, Fred , Grace, Henri, Ida, Julian, Kate, Larry
Mindy, Nicholas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, Wanda