Sept. 10 marks the official peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and forecasters warn the next several weeks will bring the highest risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
While the season runs until Nov. 30, meteorologists say the most dangerous stretch for South Florida lasts from early September through mid-October. Conditions in the tropics are most favorable during this period, and even though not every storm will strike land, it only takes one to cause major damage.
“During this period the sea surface temperature in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico is warmest,” said Ping Zhu, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Florida International University.
Emergency officials urge residents to remain alert, check forecasts regularly and have a plan in place. They stress that preparation now could help communities respond more quickly if a storm forms close to Florida.
Experts say the current setup of warm waters and active weather patterns means conditions remain ripe for development as the season enters its most volatile weeks.
