What forecasters expect this hurricane season, as Tropical Storm Bertha edges along
Tropical Storm Bertha is moving along the Gulf Coast, bringing risks of storm surge and wind despite not being expected to reach hurricane strength. Experts note that while the number of storms may be lower this season, climate change and warm ocean temperatures are increasing the likelihood of more powerful, destructive storms.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of climate change on hurricane intensity is critical for disaster preparedness and infrastructure planning in coastal regions.
Tropical Storm Bertha is the second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and it's expected to track along the northern Gulf Coast for several days, hitting Gulf communities with up to four feet of storm surge and sustained winds as high as 50 miles per hour .
Forecasters don't expect Bertha to strengthen into a hurricane. But warmer waters in the Atlantic means the risk of destructive storms for the season is still high.
Climate Rain, storm surge and wind: How to understand your hurricane risk Unusually warm Gulf waters increase risk of powerful storms Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and Colorado State University predict fewer storms than average during the 2026 hurricane season. That's in part because of a strong El Niño . This weather pattern drives up average global temperatures and generally tamps down hurricane activity in the Atlantic.
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