What You Need To Know
- Most tropical activity occurs during September
- Storms can form across the entire Atlantic basin
- The average peak of activity during hurricane season occurs on Sept. 10
September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. This is because wind shear, the change of speed and/or direction of the wind with height, is weaker, and the ocean waters are extremely warm.
Sept. 10 is typically the last day for peak tropical activity. From then on out, activity declines, but this doesn’t mean we won’t see powerful storms.
Let’s look back in recorded history to some of the strongest storms that occurred during September.
The 2000s
Hurricane Ian in 2022: First forming on Sept. 24, Ian traveled through the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf and the Atlantic, making five total landfalls.
Hurricane Ike in 2008: Our next hurricane takes us back to 2008 when a tropical wave slid off the coast of Africa at the end of August. It developed into a tropical depression on Sept. 1, and on the same day, became a tropical storm.
Hurricane Rita in 2005: The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season will forever be a memorable one, with many powerful storms impacting the U.S. that year.
Hurricane Ivan in 2004: Ivan formed in the central Atlantic on Sept. 2, tracking west-northwest for a week while intensifying.
The 1900s
Hurricane Floyd in 1999: Floyd first originated as a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on Sept. 2.
The 1938 New England Hurricane: The New England Hurricane of 1938 first developed near the Cape Verde Islands on Sept. 9 and tracked toward the U.S.
The Great Miami Hurricane of 1926: Back in 1926, the government centralized storm warnings from their D.C. office, then distributed those warnings to other weather offices.
The 1800s
The Cheniere Caminada Hurricane of 1893: Also known as The Great October Storm, it first developed in the Caribbean Sea, bringing impacts to the southern areas of Mexico.
The 1875 Indianola Hurricane: Our last stop takes us to 1875 when a cyclone just started brewing off the coast of Africa on Sept. 1.
Atlantic Hurricane Season
With the peak of hurricane season so close, we urge you to always stay prepared. This is when we see activity ramp up.
96% of Category 3, 4 and 5 hurricanes occur from mid-August to mid-October. This isn’t to say that all hurricanes that develop will make landfall in the U.S., but it is always best to stay prepared for any scenario.
Our team of meteorologists dive deep into the science of weather and break down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Conclusion:
September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and it’s crucial to stay prepared for any scenario. Understanding the factors that contribute to the intensity of hurricanes and being informed about the weather can save lives and minimize damage.
FAQs:
Q: What is the peak of hurricane season?
A: The peak of hurricane season typically occurs on Sept. 10.
Q: Why is September the peak of hurricane season?
A: Wind shear is weaker, and ocean waters are extremely warm in September.
Q: Can hurricanes form across the entire Atlantic basin?
A: Yes, storms can form across the entire Atlantic basin.
Q: What is the importance of staying prepared during hurricane season?
A: It’s crucial to stay prepared for any scenario, as 96% of Category 3, 4 and 5 hurricanes occur from mid-August to mid-October.
