Hurricane season is expected to be very active – what role does climate change play? Plus, a closer look at our local weather reports | WFAE 90.7

Hurricane season has officially begun, so we’ve gathered a panel of experts to tell us how we should prepare.

This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be very active, which could put Americans at risk of flooding and damage to homes and businesses from high winds.

One of the main reasons for this increased activity? Climate change experts say this season will be impacted by exceptionally high ocean temperatures. There is also a climatic phenomenon known as La Niña, which causes winds to favor the formation of hurricanes. La Niña is expected to take effect in late summer, which is the peak of hurricane season.

We’ll also take a look at our Charlotte weather reports. The Queen City is one of the largest cities in the country without National Weather Service radar – the nearest one is in Greer, South Carolina. Experts say if we had radar in Charlotte, they would be better able to predict the strength and impact of storms.

This will be discussed in Charlotte’s next conversations.

GUESTS:

David Borak, Davidson-based freelance reporter and producer and former WFAE climate reporter
Katie Della, (doctorate), North Carolina State Climatologist
Brad Panovich, WCNC Chief Meteorologist