When does the first hurricane usually form? See charts
Typically, the first hurricane of the season forms in July or August, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nearly 60 years of data shows that the average date of the first hurricane is Aug. 11.
Colorado State University predicts 16 named storms and eight hurricanes to develop over the next three months – slightly above average for the season.
Here's what you need to know about the Atlantic hurricane season and when it generally starts picking up.
Tropical Storm Erin tracker: Storm to become major hurricane soon
August is most common month for the first hurricane of the year
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November.
Data from NOAA analyzed by Weather.com shows that since 1966, the first Atlantic hurricane of the season formed in August in 24 of the past 59 years.
NOAA began full satellite coverage of the Atlantic Basin in 1966.
Two hurricanes have developed out of hurricanes season: 1970 had it's first hurricane on May 20, 1970, and in 2016, the first hurricane formed on Jan. 14.
Hurricane season: Forecasters predict an above-average hurricane season as Atlantic waters heat up.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 mph. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
The ramp-up to a busy hurricane season
Aug. 6-19 typically marks the beginning of the ramp-up for Atlantic tropical cyclone activity. The primary formation area for major hurricanes in early to mid-August is in the tropical Atlantic, east of the Lesser Antilles.
Generally, earlier-season hurricanes form in the western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean Sea, matching the areas that are favorable for development in June or early July, The Weather Channel reported.
How can you prepare for hurricane season?
For more suggestions, visit NOAA's hurricane preparations page.
Contributing: Doyle Rice, Gabe Hauari
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NHC increases chances of tropical development in Gulf: Tracker; path; Houston, Texas impacts
The Brief The chances of development for a tropical wave in the Gulf has increased to 40% over the next two days. It could become a tropical depression before moving inland over northeastern Mexico or South Texas by late Friday. It could help increase rain chances for Houston. HOUSTON - The National Hurricane Center has increased the chances of development for a tropical wave – labeled Invest 98L – in the Gulf. While it is expected to have a minimal impact on the Houston area, it could help increase our rain chances. Medium chance of development By the numbers The National Hurricane Center now gives the area of low pressure located over the Bay of Campeche a medium 40% chance of development over the next 48 hours and a 40% chance over the next seven days. Timeline According to the National Hurricane Center, the low is expected to move west-northwest across the Gulf over the next day or so. It could become a tropical depression before moving inland over northeastern Mexico or South Texas by late Friday. Moving on land will end its chances for tropical development. Impacts Northeastern Mexico and South Texas could see heavy rainfall over the next few days. Will Houston be impacted? Local perspective At this point, the system is expected to remain weak and have minimal impacts on the Houston area. However, it could help to enhance our rain chances Friday and Saturday morning while giving us an increased risk for rip currents. We are under a 1/4 risk for isolated street flooding on Friday, mainly from Houston to the coast. Stay alert and stay tuned for updates. The Source The information in this article comes from the National Hurricane Center and the FOX 26 weather team. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
37 minutes ago
- Forbes
Northern Lights: These 8 States Could See Aurora Borealis Thursday
The northern lights could make an appearance in eight northern U.S. states Thursday night, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ahead of an expected much weaker auroral showing Friday night. The northern lights have a small chance at showing in eight U.S. states. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. NOAA issued a Kp index of three for Thursday, meaning potential aurora borealis viewers can expect a 'quiet' aurora that 'can be quite pleasing to look at' for people in the right areas. The curved viewing line for Thursday goes as far as the North Dakota-South Dakota border, giving viewers a better chance at seeing the northern lights the farther north they are from the line. The northern lights are not forecast to be visible in the contiguous U.S. on Friday night, when the viewing line will be hundreds of miles north of the U.S.-Canada border alongside a Kp index of one. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts : We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . States and areas within Thursday's viewing line include the majority of Alaska, the northeastern tip of Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, the northeastern part of Montana, much of North Dakota, the northern half of Minnesota, the northern tip of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Thursday night's viewing line. NOAA Try to get a look at the northern lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in places with clear skies and little to no light pollution. High vantage points can increase chances at seeing auroral activity. What's The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights? Smartphone users should avoid using flash and use night mode instead. Traditional camera users should use wide-angle lenses and low apertures while shooting. Tripods can help smartphones and cameras grab better photos. Key Background Auroral activity has been heightened since last year, when the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, which is a catalyst for coronal mass ejections and solar flares that contribute to stronger auroral activity. In 2024, the sun produced the strongest northern lights showings in the last 500 years, leading to displays in all 50 states. NOAA and NASA project the heightened auroral activity to last into 2026. Northern Lights Displays Hit A 500-Year Peak In 2024—Here's Where You Could Catch Aurora Borealis In 2025 (Forbes)
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tropical Storm Watches Issued For Northern Leeward Islands
Erin continues to move into warmer waters and is expected to become a major hurricane over the weekend. The track continues to pull the storm slightly closer to the Caribbean, so some impacts are possible, some of which could be significant. The East Coast, The Bahamas and Bermuda will need to continue to monitor Erin over the coming days.
