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Officially, the hurricane season in the Mexican Caribbean is about a month out.
However, the tropical storm engine off the coast of Africa is already ramping up for what experts are calling a ferocious Atlantic hurricane season.
On Alert for Alberto
Alberto would be the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and despite the fact that the season starts in earnest in a couple of weeks, storms are already starting to show development in what is anticipated to be an early start to the hurricane season.
In fact, reports are indicating that the National Hurricane Center in the United States shows the projected trajectory of the first named hurricane of the season will set its sights on Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
It is not unusual for a pre-season storm to make its appearance, especially during the month of May.
Back in 2017, the first named storm of the year, Arlene, formed during the month of April.
While these computer models are early in projecting the path of yet-to-be-developed storms, the warming of the waters and the flow of the warm currents have led to the early alert for Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean to buckle down and start preparations now.
If a pre-season storm does develop as expected, the National Hurricane Center in the United States and the Mexican weather authorities will issue a special tropical outlook.
A Very Active Season
A total of 37 tropical storms are expected to impact Mexico this year, according to the reporting about the projections from the National Hurricane Center.
That’s in addition to the early alert issued for the expected approach of what will become Hurricane Alberto.
The first storm of the season was spotted off the coast of Africa. However, it quickly dissipated before it could become a tropical depression.
The University of Pennsylvania hurricane forecast models show a record-breaking 33 named storms in what they are calling a “hyperactive” or “explosive” season this year.
The hurricane record books show that the previous most active year on record was 2020, when a total of 30 named storms formed and were tracked.
Normally, a typical hurricane season has less than half of that amount, or only 14 named storms according to tropical storm experts.
Warm Ocean Water Fueling Hurricanes
The warm ocean waters this year, due to global warming and a persistent La Niña effect, are the perfect fuel for a busy hurricane season in Cancun and the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico.
Projections have the first named storm in the Pacific, Aletta, also expected to impact Mexico.
The predicted impact zone on the Pacific side has not been determined yet.
Tips For Travelers
With a more active than usual hurricane season expected to impact Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean as early as this month, it’s important that travelers planning a beach resort vacation getaway to the area take steps to plan for the tropical weather season now.
One of the most important first steps to take when planning to visit Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean during hurricane season is to purchase travel insurance, including coverage for hurricanes, at the time of booking the reservation.
Plan ahead for potential tropical weather impacts, even if a hurricane is not in the forecast for a vacation getaway.
Visitors should have alternative plans in place for closed beaches and heavy rains with flooding. That is especially the case for those with reservations on Isla Holbox.
Prepare for rainy weather and be sure to establish an emergency point of contact for friends and family in the United States.
Also, be sure to watch the weather and enroll in the free United States Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for additional alerts.
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