NOAA

Hurricane Humberto, as captured by a NOAA satellite September 15, 2019.

We're in for a brutal hurricane season, according to predictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a record number of hurricanes this season, which began on June 1 and runs through Nov. They're forecasting anywhere from 17 to 25 storms in the Atlantic basin, including at least four major hurricanes. Scientists think this storm activity could be due to strong winds, warmer ocean temperatures and a scientific mystery unfolding in the Atlantic.

Questions about hurricanes or other weather disasters? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!
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Normandy beach

Why the science of tides was crucial for D-Day

June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and took the Nazis by surprise in the largest sea-to-land invasion in history. This would be remembered as D-Day and would ultimately lead to the end of World War II in Europe. However, this planned attack wouldn't have been possible without deep knowledge of ocean tides! We get into the whole story, including why tides sit at the intersection of astronomy and marine ecology — and why understanding tides are key to a greener future.

Want to hear us cover more science history? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
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This GOES-East GeoColor satellite image taken June 2 shows Tropical Storm Arlene, the first named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.

An active 2023 hurricane season comes to a close

by Greg Allen

The Atlantic hurricane season ends today. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says more named storms formed in the Atlantic this year than any other El Niño year in the modern record.