Atlantic hurricane season

Atlantic hurricane season
Basin	Atl
Year	2024
First storm formed	June 19, 2024
Last storm dissipated	Season ongoing
Strongest storm name	Beryl
Strongest storm pressure	938
Strongest storm winds	165
Damages	1.5
Fatalities	11
Five seasons	2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Atlantic hurricane season. The official period of tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic Ocean, primarily affecting the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern coast of the United States. It is defined by the National Hurricane Center as running from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and late October. The formation of these storms is driven by warm ocean waters and specific atmospheric conditions, and their intensity is measured using scales like the Saffir–Simpson scale.

Climatology and seasonal patterns

The statistical peak of activity occurs around September 10, coinciding with the warmest sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin. Historical data compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the vast majority of major hurricanes, those of Category 3 or higher, form during the months of August, September, and October. Seasonal activity is profoundly influenced by large-scale climate patterns, most notably the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. For instance, an El Niño phase tends to increase vertical wind shear over the Caribbean Sea, suppressing development, while a positive phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation correlates with warmer ocean temperatures and more active periods, such as the hyperactive era observed since 1995.

Formation and development

Tropical cyclones originate from atmospheric disturbances, often emerging from African easterly waves that move westward from the coast of Senegal. For a disturbance to develop into a tropical depression, sea surface temperatures generally must be at least 26.5°C (80°F) to a sufficient depth, providing the necessary heat and moisture. Other critical factors include low vertical wind shear, as high shear can tear a storm apart, and a pre-existing atmospheric disturbance with sufficient cyclonic rotation. The process of intensification is fueled by the release of latent heat from condensing water vapor, a mechanism first formally described by meteorologists like Herbert Riehl. Development typically occurs in the Intertropical Convergence Zone or from upper-level low-pressure systems, such as those that sometimes form in the Gulf of Mexico.

Classification and intensity scales

Tropical systems are classified by their maximum sustained wind speeds, as defined by the National Hurricane Center. A tropical depression has winds up to 38 mph (62 km/h), a tropical storm has winds between 39 and 73 mph (63–118 km/h), and a system becomes a hurricane when winds reach 74 mph (119 km/h). The intensity of hurricanes is further categorized using the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, which ranges from Category 1 to Category 5. This scale, developed by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson, estimates potential property damage and coastal flooding. The central pressure, measured in millibars by reconnaissance aircraft like those operated by the United States Air Force 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, is also a key metric of storm strength.

Notable seasons and storms

Historical records are marked by exceptionally destructive and deadly periods. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active on record, featuring Hurricane Katrina, which caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans, and Hurricane Wilma, which at one point held the record for the lowest central pressure in the Atlantic basin. Other infamous individual storms include the Galveston hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which devastated parts of Florida. More recent hyperactive seasons include 2020, which produced a record number of named storms, and the 1933 Atlantic hurricane season, which held the storm count record for decades.

Forecasting and observation

Modern prediction relies on data from a suite of tools, including geostationary satellites like the GOES series operated by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Computer forecast models, such as the Global Forecast System and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model, are essential for track and intensity prediction. In-situ data is gathered by hurricane hunter aircraft from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Aircraft Operations Center. Key forecast products issued by the National Hurricane Center include the cone of uncertainty, which depicts the probable track, and watches and warnings for affected coastlines from Texas to Maine.

Impacts and preparedness

The primary hazards include storm surge, high winds, torrential rainfall leading to inland flooding, and tornadoes. Storm surge, responsible for a significant portion of hurricane-related fatalities, is monitored and forecast by specialists at the National Hurricane Center. Preparedness measures are coordinated by agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which works with state authorities in Florida, Louisiana, and other vulnerable states. Critical actions include heeding evacuation orders from local officials, such as those in Miami-Dade County or New Orleans, securing property, and assembling disaster supply kits. Post-storm recovery often involves major federal declarations and support from organizations like the American Red Cross.

Category:Atlantic hurricane seasons