2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Visualization: 4th costliest, +100 dead

The 2021 Hurricane Season was another season for the record books! Check out the visualization of the storms that were named throughout the season, up to Victor, above.

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was another hyperactive season. Once again, for the second year in a row, and for the third time ever on record, all 21 names on the hurricane list were used. The first time all 21 names were used was in 2005.

Out of the 21 storms, 7 became hurricanes, and 4 out of those 7 became major hurricanes.

Through November 1, the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season ranks in the 4th place in the costliest Atlantic hurricane season, with over $65 billion in damages. The 2021 season claimed 103 deaths and 56 indirect deaths.

Pre-season forecasts by NOAA were almost on target. They predicted between 13 to 20 storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. The number of hurricanes and major hurricanes was correct, but there was still a notable lack of overall storms in the forecast.

Subsequently, NOAA’s updated forecast issued on August 4, had a better aim at the total storms that would form. In this forecast, NOAA upped their total named storms to up to 21 and increased the numbers of total hurricanes that could form to between 7 and 10, of which 3 to 5 would become major hurricanes.

When we look at other hurricane season forecasts, the one coming from Colorado State University also had a similar trend, missing the number of total storms by 1 or 2 but staying within range for hurricanes and major hurricanes.

Regardless, we knew that all the ingredients had to be there to have an active season. After all, El Niño was at a neutral stage, with the outlook signaling that La Niña would return in late summer or early fall (which it did).

Our team of meteorologists in Weather & Radar will be watching the tropics closely throughout the season and bring you prompt updates and forecasts.