As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, Eastern Canada is currently enjoying a brief respite, with no immediate threats expected for the region, according to meteorologist Chris Fogarty of the Canadian Hurricane Centre. Despite a significant increase in hurricane activity across the Atlantic, a large non-tropical low-pressure system is providing temporary protection, pushing storms away from the region for at least the coming week.
Fogarty explained that this low-pressure system, forecast to develop later this week and into the weekend, is acting as a shield, keeping Atlantic Canada “somewhat protected” from the immediate impacts of the recent surge in storm activity. “We are kind of off the hook for at least a week from these systems,” he said, reassuring residents of the region who have been on high alert after a quieter-than-expected September.
Current Storms in the Atlantic
At present, three named storms—Kirk, Leslie, and Milton—are churning in different parts of the Atlantic. Kirk is located in the northeastern part of the Atlantic, Leslie in the southeast, and Milton in the Gulf of Mexico. This wide distribution of storms is indicative of favorable hurricane conditions stretching across a large portion of the ocean, Fogarty noted.
While both Kirk and Leslie are not forecast to make landfall as major storms, attention is focused on Hurricane Milton, which is expected to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast later this week. Milton is forecast to pass over Florida and head into the Atlantic, where its moisture could be drawn into the non-tropical low-pressure system expected to influence weather in Atlantic Canada over the weekend. Fogarty cautioned that while the immediate threat is minimal, “we will watch Milton,” as there is a possibility it could energize the low-pressure system moving toward the Canadian Maritimes.
For residents of Charlottetown and surrounding areas, the current forecast for the weekend includes a chance of showers, potentially influenced by the interaction between Milton and the incoming low-pressure system. However, no severe storm activity is expected in the near term.
Hurricane Season Set to Roar Back After a September Lull
The recent uptick in hurricane activity follows an unusual lull during September, when weather patterns slowed the formation of storms across the Atlantic. But now, as those patterns shift, experts warn that the season is expected to ramp up significantly, with more storms likely to form in the coming weeks.
“The season will remain active through November, and beyond a couple of weeks, it is difficult to predict where the next storms will form and how they will track,” said Fogarty. The unpredictability of late-season hurricanes is a key concern for meteorologists, who are closely monitoring the evolving conditions in the Atlantic.
Historically, hurricane season peaks between August and October, with activity typically decreasing by late November. However, given the favorable conditions currently observed across the Atlantic, it is likely that more storms will develop before the season officially ends.
Monitoring the Situation
Though Atlantic Canada is “somewhat protected” for now, Fogarty urged continued vigilance, as conditions can change rapidly during hurricane season. The region has experienced the impacts of severe storms in the past, and while the low-pressure system currently shielding the area provides a temporary break, residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings as the season progresses.
As the Atlantic hurricane season continues to heat up, the Canadian Hurricane Centre remains focused on monitoring the development of storms and their potential impact on Canada. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the region will remain shielded or if future storms may pose a greater risk.
With hurricane season set to remain active until the end of November, Fogarty and other experts will continue to track any changes in weather patterns that could influence storm formation and movement, ensuring that Canadians are well-prepared for whatever the remainder of the season may bring.