CATEGORY:WEATHER NEWS -------------------------- INSIDE GRENADA FRIDAY August 3,2007 According to a Reuters report, a noted hurricane research team at Colorado State University - founded by forecast pioneer William Grey – today revised its original forecast for the 2007 Atlantic season. Back in May of this year, the team had predicted 17 tropical storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes for the season. This forecast has now been trimmed to 15 tropical storms with 8 attaining hurricane status and 4 developing into major hurricanes with wind speed exceeding 110 mph (177kph). This does not mean that people should become complacent because the updated prediction suggests that the 2007 season is still above average. The average season over the past 40 years is 11 tropical storms, 6 growing into hurricanes and 2 reaching major hurricane strength. The forecast for 2007 has been lessened because the researchers believe that conditions in the tropical Atlantic had grown less favorable to storm formation. The sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Atlantic have cooled over the past few weeks and there have been significant dust outbreaks from Africa resulting in a generally stable air mass over the tropical Atlantic. (Hurricanes draw their strength from warmth and moisture, but dust in the air prevents the sun from heating the sea surface and dries out the atmosphere). To date, the 2007 hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1, has seen two named storms: Barry back in June and Chantal last Tuesday (July 31). Sub-tropical storm Andrea was formed approximately three weeks prior to June 1 – the official start of the season. The busiest part of the hurricane season is usually from August to mid-October. Grenadians should not let their guards down and should continue to make the necessary preparations so as to significantly minimize all forms of damage or loss that may occur should the country be once again impacted by a storm or hurricane. As the saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”