The 2024 hurricane season took place from June 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024. As predicted it was an above-normal hurricane season. In this wrap up, we recap the named storms and the names used during the 2024 season. You will also find the full list of 2024 hurricane names (both those that were used and those that were not). Lastly, we take a look back on the predictions made by major organizations and see how their predictions compare to the actual season’s results. So if you are interested in learning all about the past season make sure you read until the end.
If you are new to hurricane season, you can learn all it in our Hurricane Season in Florida guide. And if you want to see recent names, you can see the lists of 2023 Hurricane Names and the 2022 Hurricane Names.
Table of Contents:
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Names
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Results
The predictions for the 2024 season were pretty close to the actual results, even though the predictions seemed extreme at the time. In other words, this hurricane season was very active and quite intense.
All in all, the 2024 season brought a total of 18 depressions, 18 total storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes.
Eleven hurricanes in one season is classified as “relatively rare”, happening 11 times since 1851 and 4 times over the last two decades, according to the Weather Channel.
2024 Named Storms
- Tropical Storm Alberto – Tropical storm, June 2024, affected Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana
- Hurricane Beryl – Category 5 hurricane, June – July 2024, affected Grenada, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Texas,
- Tropical Storm Chris – Tropical storm, June – July 2024, affected Mexico
- Hurricane Debby – Category 1 hurricane, August 2024, affected Steinhatchee, Florida, South Carolina, as well intense rainfall effects in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and more.
- Hurricane Ernesto – Category 2 hurricane, August 2024, affected Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Bermuda,
- Hurricane Francine – Category 2 hurricane, September 2024, affected Louisiana
- Tropical Storm Gordon – Tropical storm, September 2024
- Hurricane Helene – Category 4 hurricane, September 2024, affected Florida, caused severe flooding in Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina
- Hurricane Isaac – Category 2 hurricane, September 2024
- Tropical Storm Joyce – Tropical storm, September 2024
- Hurricane Kirk – Category 4 hurricane, September – October 2024
- Hurricane Leslie – Category 2 hurricane, October 2024
- Hurricane Milton – Category 5 hurricane (landfall as category 3), October 2024, affected Southwest Florida (Sarasota, Venice, Tampa, etc.), and tornado damage throughout Florida
- Tropical Storm Nadine – Tropical storm, October 2024
- Hurricane Oscar – Category 1 hurricane, October 2024, affected Cuba
- Tropical Storm Patty – Tropical storm, November 2024
- Hurricane Rafael – Category 3 hurricane, November 2024
- Tropical Storm Sara – Tropical storm, November 2024
Comparing Actual Results to the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predictions
Below you can see a summary of the predictions from some major organizations and institutes. How did their predictions compare to the actual results? Let us take a look.
NOAA Predictions
The National Hurricane Center (NOAA) is predicted an “above-normal” hurricane season. They predicted an 85% chance that 2024 will be more active than normal. This is compared to their prediction of a combined 15% chance that the season will be “normal” (10% chance) or “below-normal” (5% chance). The reasons they gave for their predictions were due to water temperatures approaching record highs and the La Nina weather pattern, along with “reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear”.
You can read the full report on their 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook or watch the video below:
In summary, NOAA had forecasted the following for the 2024 season:
- 17 to 25 total named storms (Actual = 18)
- 8 to 13 are expected to be hurricanes (Actual = 11)
- 4 to 7 are predicted to be major hurricanes (Actual = 5)
The NOAA predicted ranges were correct for total number of storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes.
Colorado State University Predictions
The Tropical Climate and Weather Team from Colorado State University predicted an “extremely active 2024 hurricane season in the Atlantic basin.” Before the start of the season they forecasted the following for the 2024 Atlantic season:
- 23 total named storms (Actual = 18)
- 11 hurricanes (Actual = 11)
- 5 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher) (Actual = 5)
Although their prediction for total named storms was too high by 5), they were spot on with their predictions for the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes for the season.
European Centre For Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Predictions
The ECMWF had similar above-average predictions to the other two. They forecasted the following for 2024:
- 23 total named storms (Actual = 18)
- 13 hurricanes (Actual = 11)
The predictions by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts were slightly higher than the actual results. For instance, they predicted 5 more named storms and 2 more hurricanes to happen.
FAQs about Names for Hurricanes
Hurricane names are maintained and chosen by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). There is a total of six lists of names, and these are rotated. So one list is used every 6 years. The only time this protocol changes is if a name is retired. For example, the names Ian and Fiona were retired after the 2022 hurricane season.
Hurricane names are determined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). WMO has a total of six lists that are rotated. That means that the 2024 hurricane names list will be used again in 2030. You can learn more about the hurricane naming process at the WMO’s Tropical Cyclone Naming page.
No. None of the 2023 hurricane names were retired by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
