A Season of Surprises:
As we witness the unfolding of the 2023 hurricane season, it’s unmistakable that it’s one draped in anomalies, characterized by heightened intensity yet surprisingly less destruction, especially for the regions near the vibrant Costa Rica.
The Atlantic’s Unseen Shield:
With the Atlantic Ocean’s temperature soaring by an unprecedented 4 degrees, a silent sentinel seems to be steering the cyclones away from the Costa Rican shores, providing an inadvertent shield against the furious dance of the storms.
A Tally Beyond Predictions:
The current season has already observed the formation of 17 cyclones, with two more months still in anticipation, eclipsing the initial predictions which capped the number at 14. Estimates are now being recalibrated, with a staggering 21 cyclones expected to mark their presence before the season concludes in November.
El Niño: The Atmospheric Alchemist:
In the years marked by the phenomenon known as El Niño, the atmosphere undergoes subtle yet significant alterations. The waters become warmer, the atmospheric pressure sees variations, and the wind witnesses changes in both speed and direction, particularly in the altitudes ranging between 1.5km to 10km. These shifts, also known as “vertical wind shears,” act as disruptors, often mitigating or altogether preventing the formation of hurricanes.
An Unseen Impact of the Silent Droughts:
Despite the tumultuous activity in the Atlantic, both of Costa Rica’s coasts are encapsulated in the grip of droughts, a silent crisis expected to linger till the year draws to an end.
A Flashback to the Storms of Yesteryears:
The previous year bore witness to a tropical storm’s wrath, leading to the evacuation of over 800 individuals in Costa Rica as floods swept through 362 different locations. However, 2023 paints a contrasting picture.
Landfall Tales of the 2023 Cyclones:
Out of the total 17 cyclones whirling in the Atlantic’s expanse, only six decided to make landfall. The destinations varied, ranging from the United States, Canada, Mexico, to the Dominican Republic. Remarkably, Costa Rica remained untouched, unscathed, with none of the cyclones casting their shadows upon its lands.
The Silent Season for Costa Rica:
Initiating approximately four months ago, the hurricane season of 2023 has been conspicuously silent for Costa Rica. Despite the brewing storms and churning seas, the cyclones have refrained from generating significant effects within the country’s boundaries.
Nature’s Unpredictable Canvas:
As the Atlantic continues to simmer with increased temperatures, the hurricane season of 2023 continues to unveil its unpredictable canvas. With a tally that’s ever-increasing and a silence that’s eerily soothing, this season is a tale of contrasts and surprises, especially for the resilient and vibrant nation of Costa Rica.
