MOVE USA JUN 2026 Tech Talk – Hurricane Formation and Lifecycle

The Science Behind Hurricane Formation and Lifecycle
Around the world, hurricanes reshape coastlines, disrupt lives, and threaten communities. In this talk Quinton Lawton, ASP Postdoctoral Fellow II, will discuss the basic science behind the formation, growth, and lifecycle of these powerful storms. A major focus of the talk will be the groundbreaking research currently being done to better predict hurricane formation. Long before these storms make landfall, they often begin as smaller weather disturbances known as African easterly waves. Understanding how these atmospheric precursors form and grow is critical for predicting extreme weather and mitigating its impacts. We will also explore recent advances in meteorological prediction, including new advancements in Artificial Intelligence-driven forecast systems.
The presentation will conclude with a look at the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. We will discuss how global patterns like El Niño influence the behavior of African easterly waves and hurricanes from year to year. Understanding this connection provides a clearer outlook for what the tropics might have in store over the coming months.
Co-sponsored by: IEEE-USA MOVE Program
Speaker(s): Quinton Lawton, Ph.D.
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/563476