The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be above average as Kirk and Leslie continued to strengthen in the Atlantic in early October.
Kirk set a new record as the farthest eastward storm in the tropical Atlantic reaching Category 4 strength on the 5-point Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale at such a late date in the season. Kirk is expected to strengthen further into a super typhoon, according to the latest NHC hurricane forecast on October 4.
With gusts of up to 215 km/h, Kirk could bring life-threatening high waves and strong currents later this week along the East Coast as well as in Bermuda, the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas.
Shortly after Kirk formed, Tropical Storm Leslie followed. This is the 12th named tropical storm to form late on October 3 and strengthen into a major storm on October 4. This makes Leslie the farthest eastward storm to form at this time of year, breaking Kirk's record.
Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie prove that favorable conditions have helped the storm develop further east than normal at this time of year. Higher-than-average water levels and wind shear are favorable for storm development.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is taking place earlier than expected. The average day of the 12th named storm is October 11. Leslie, the 12th named storm, formed on October 3, putting the 2024 hurricane season in the "above average" category.
At the start of the season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-average season. There are forecasts for 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes.
So far, the 2024 typhoon season has seen 12 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. The storm season will continue until November 30.
