Tropical Storm Sara recently made landfall in Honduras, marking the third named storm to form in November. This serves as a reminder that the Atlantic hurricane season is still ongoing, with two weeks left to go. Sara is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Central America before dissipating over the Yucatan Peninsula.
In the past month, November has seen an unusual level of storm activity, with Tropical Storm Patty impacting the Azores and Hurricane Rafael hitting Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. This level of activity is not typical for the final month of hurricane season, which usually only sees one named storm every year or two.
Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, during which weather conditions are most favorable for the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes. Warm ocean temperatures and reduced wind shear in the upper atmosphere contribute to the formation and intensification of storms during this period.
November hurricanes are relatively rare, with only one tropical storm occurring every one to two years on average. Since 1851, there have been 125 recorded tropical storms in November, with about half of them intensifying into hurricanes. Notable November hurricanes include Eta and Iota, which struck Nicaragua in 2020 as Category 4 storms, causing significant damage and loss of life.
Climate change may be impacting the length and intensity of hurricane seasons, with warmer ocean temperatures potentially extending the bounds of traditional hurricane season. However, the influence of climate change on seasonal wind shear patterns and storm intensity remains a topic of debate among scientists.
It is important to stay informed and prepared during hurricane season, as storms can form outside of the official season dates. Keeping updated on weather forecasts and following evacuation orders when necessary can help mitigate the impact of these natural disasters.
