August is Peak Atlantic Hurricane Season

August 19, 2024      

We've arrived at the peak months of Atlantic hurricane season, and that typically means a sharp increase not only in storms, but also in the risk of U.S. landfalls.

Visualizing the peak: Hurricane season runs from June through November, but in most years, the first two months of the season are typically the calmest. June averages only one storm every other year, and July has averaged one storm per year, according to NOAA statistics.

This year, however, broke that general rule with early-season, record shattering, Category 5 Hurricane Beryl as well as two other tropical storms, Alberto and Chris.

August, September and October are the peak months when it comes to the most tropical storms and hurricanes. You can see this highlighted in the graph below.

According to NOAA, 78% of storms, 84% of hurricanes and 93% of U.S. landfalling hurricanes happen from August through October.

Why this peak? Several factors contribute to the seasonal ramp-up that begins in August.

• African easterly waves are most developed, often serving as a seed for tropical storms and hurricanes to form.
• Surges of dry, Saharan air into the central and eastern Atlantic Basin that normally squelch tropical development in those areas tend to give way by August as the parade of African easterly waves gradually add moisture. This opens up more favorable real estate for tropical cyclone development.
• Wind shear – the change in wind speed and/or direction with height, which can rip apart a tropical cyclone wannabe – tends to be low.
• Sea-surface temperatures rise toward a peak in early fall, providing more potential energy for a tropical cyclone.
• Instability – the atmosphere's ability to generate convection (thunderstorms) to develop tropical cyclones – also rises toward an early fall peak.
• All of those factors make for a larger area in the Atlantic where tropical storms and hurricanes can develop, compared to June and July.

With peak hurricane season here and winter around the corner, now could be the perfect time to check out home generators. Come in or contact South Shore Generator Sales & Service and get started on your backup power plans!

Source: weather.com

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