While June 1 is the official start, scientists have noticed a troubling trend over the last decade: storms are forming before the bell rings. In 2023, an unnamed subtropical storm formed in January. In 2021, Tropical Storm Ana formed on May 22. Climatologists call this a shift toward a "longer season," though the peak remains firmly in September.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) selected these dates because they encompass more than 97% of all tropical cyclone activity. Historically, June 1 represents the statistical shift when ocean temperatures become warm enough (typically 26.5°C or 80°F) and wind shear low enough to support organized thunderstorm development. when do hurricane season start
The air must be cool enough to allow warm, moist air to rise rapidly, creating clouds and thunderstorms. While June 1 is the official start, scientists
"when do hurricane season start"
Even within the Atlantic, the start date is somewhat theoretical. A tropical storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico in early June is rare but possible. However, the "true" start of the intense hurricane activity—the long-track Cape Verde storms—does not begin until mid-August. Climatologists call this a shift toward a "longer