FORECASTERS FROM the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration say La Niña, a weather phenomenon that increases Atlantic hurricane activity and decreases Pacific Ocean hurricanes, is not likely to influence this year's hurricane season.
However, meteorologists warn that a very active hurricane season is still forecasted for the Atlantic.
Evan Thompson, head of the National Meteorological Service, concurs. He said yesterday that La Niña and El Niño, which give rise to high or low temperatures, are not the only causative factors that affect hurricane systems in the region.
Last year the region experienced the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history, with more than 2,000 deaths and record damage valued at more than US$100 billion.
