Chamath @ 01:23:10Right
climatescience
Given exceptionally high current sea surface temperatures (including ~90°F off Florida and record North Atlantic warmth), the upcoming Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane season following August 2023 will have an elevated probability of severe storms and hurricanes compared with historical average seasons.
there was 90 degree ocean temperatures off the Florida coast. The sea surface temperature in the North Atlantic is the highest it's ever been by, I think seven. ... the sea surface temperature, which increases the probability of severe tropical storms and hurricanes in the coming season.View on YouTube
Explanation
Chamath tied exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the North Atlantic and off Florida to an increased probability of severe tropical storms and hurricanes in the remainder of the 2023 Atlantic season.
Observations back this up:
- NOAA reported that the North Atlantic had record‑warm SSTs and a prolonged marine heatwave beginning in March 2023, conditions that "contributed to a very active 2023 Atlantic hurricane season." (climate.gov)
- The 2023 Atlantic season produced 20 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes, with an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) of about 146–148. The 1991–2020 averages are ~14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes, and ACE ~123–125. Thus, storm quantity and total energy were clearly above average, even though the number of hurricanes and major hurricanes was near the long‑term mean. (en.wikipedia.org)
NOAA and independent analyses characterize 2023 as an above‑normal, very active Atlantic season, explicitly linking that elevated activity to record‑warm SSTs. (climate.gov) Given that his prediction was about elevated probability of severe storms in a season with anomalously warm SSTs (not a specific count), the subsequent above‑normal activity and energy in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season align with his claim. Therefore, the prediction is best judged as right.