x
Breaking News
More () »

WEATHER BLOG: Tropics quieter than normal halfway through season

We're just past the climatological peak of hurricane season. However, the tropics haven't been putting out as many storms as a normal tropical season.

The climatological peak - or busiest time of year - for the tropical Atlantic passed this past weekend on September 12. You'd expect the Atlantic to be filled with activity at this point.

Credit: Kristin Walla
Hurricane Frequency

But even though we're in the thick of hurricane season, it's been uncharacteristically quiet so far. There's no named storms right now, but there is a pair of tropical waves, each with a 20% chance of development. 

You can find a more detailed post about current tropical activity here.

Credit: Kristin Walla
Tropical Overview

So far this year we've seen five named storms - the most recent two being hurricanes. We had Tropical Storm Alex at the beginning of June, Tropical Storm Bonnie at the end of June, and Tropical Storm Colin at the beginning of July. 

In mid-August, Potential Tropical Cyclone Four impacted the Texas-Mexico border. Hurricanes Danielle and Earl both got their beginnings in early September, but have both dissipated since.

Credit: Kristin Walla
2022 Atlantic Hurricanes as of September 12

Coming off the last two hurricane seasons (2020 and 2021) makes this year seem that much more quieter. At this time last year (Sep. 12, 2021), we'd already seen 14 named storms in the Atlantic. At the end of the 2021 season, all names on the primary Atlantic hurricane list had been used.

Credit: Kristin Walla
2021 Atlantic Hurricanes as of September 12

This hurricane season has seen below-average activity to date. On average, we see eight named storms, including three hurricanes and one major hurricane (Category 3+). The hyperactive 2020 and 2021 seasons had seen ten and six more named storms than normal, respectively. This year there's only been five.

Credit: Kristin Walla
Tropical Summary as of September 12

So it's true that it's been a quieter season so far, and that the odds of a tropical system impacting Texas become slimmer heading into October, but it's always best to stay prepared.

It only takes one storm impacting your area to make for an active year.

Before You Leave, Check This Out