After a particularly busy Atlantic hurricane season, cyclone activity around the world for this time of year is the lowest it’s been in nearly six decades, according to meteorological data.
Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach says global accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) is only 62, the lowest it’s been after Oct. 1 since 1960. ACE is used to compare hurricane activity of individual storms or over an entire season. A higher ACE means a more powerful and destructive storm season.
The globe has generated an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index of only 62 since October 1 – the least global ACE generated between 10/1-11/28 on record (since 1960). #hurricane pic.twitter.com/lenpw5uCCP
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) November 28, 2017
Klotzbach said late fall ACE — Oct. 1 to Nov. 28 — is usually around 144. Hurricane season is basically over in the northern hemisphere, but storm season is just beginning in the southern half of the globe.
The Atlantic saw one of its busiest seasons on record, generating 17 named storms, 10 of which became hurricanes. The vast majority of Atlantic season hurricane activity came in September, largely thanks to hurricanes Maria and Irma — one of the most powerful storms on record.
However, while the Atlantic basin was generating massive storms, the rest of the northern hemisphere was at or below normal for the year.
Table showing how the 2017 Atlantic #hurricane season ranks historically. It will end up a top 10 season by most tropical cyclone metrics. pic.twitter.com/e5fb8cgwn2
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) November 28, 2017
The Southern Hemisphere also went through a quiet season. Weather.us meteorologist Ryan Maue reported in April the hurricane season was the “quietest on record, by far” in the southern half of the world.
Southern Hemispheric cyclone activity ended up being the lowest on record when the 2016/2017 season ended in June. Storms generated less than half the normal ACE in a given season.
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