2020 will go down as one of the most active hurricane seasons on record.

The most active hurricane season was in 2005, when we had 28 named systems, 15 of which became hurricanes. So far, we have had 20 named systems, 7 of which have become hurricanes.  

And, there’s still a lot of hurricane season left to go.

Based upon decades of data, the historical peak of hurricane season is September 10^th. So, now that we’re on the other side of that date (finally), what can we expect?

In short, the season is forecast to remain quite active as we inevitably wrap up the 2020 list of names and begin using the Greek alphabet. The last time this happened was in 2005.

Tropical systems can originate in the Gulf, Caribbean, or Atlantic at any point in the season. But, there are some areas where conditions are especially favorable.

The Gulf of Mexico is one hot spot this time of year because of the warmer sea surface temperatures. Warm water helps fuel tropical systems.

Another hot spot is the Atlantic, especially the eastern Atlantic. Tropical waves rolling off the coast of Africa are notorious for developing into depressions or tropical storms this time of year.

While many curve into the central Atlantic and never threaten land, those that originate a bit farther south (south of 15°N) and track westward can make it to the Lesser Antilles and beyond.

The season is far from over, and while nothing is threatening North Carolina right now, stay ready.  Hurricane season ends November 30^th.

Even so, tropical systems can form thereafter. Tropical Storm Zeta in 2005 formed December 30th!