Typical August tropical storm activity

Historical data from NHC shows storm formation points for August

MIAMI ā€“ The historical data set from the National Hurricane Center shows that 374 tropical storms have formed in the month of August since 1851. Some tropical storms were obviously missed prior to improvements in technology such as routine satellite coverage. The NHC records show an average of 3.3 tropical storms of which 1.6 were hurricanes during the month of August for the period 1981-2010.

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We are getting closer to the beginning of what is considered to be the most active part of the Atlantic hurricane season that typically extends from mid-August to late October.Ā  We typically start seeing a lot more activity originating over the deep tropical Atlantic during August, as indicated in the above graphic.Ā 

Atlantic tropical cyclone activity is already a little above average for this time of year with four tropical storms so far:Ā  Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dorian.Ā  We typically don't get to the fourth named storm until August 23rd based on data during the satellite era.

During 2012, the Atlantic also produced four named tropical storms by the end of July.Ā  And then eight tropical storms formed during August, five of which were hurricanes.

It makes good sense to ensure your hurricane plan is updated and ready to implement before we get into the heart of the season.