The record books aren’t exactly replete with June hurricanes. On average, about once every five years, we can expect a June hurricane in the Atlantic and – as we’ve discussed in previous newsletters – only about once a decade will a June hurricane strike the U.S.
Compare this to September, which averages two hurricanes each year and a U.S. hurricane strike every year or two.
That’s not to say that June hurricanes aren’t problematic when they occur. To the contrary, unlike storms later in the season, when June hurricanes form, they tend to be at their strongest closest to the U.S.
Because it’s still early in the hurricane season, June systems often need a little assist from the upper-levels of the atmosphere, which they sometimes get outside of the deep tropics and closer in to the U.S.
These “home-brewed” hurricanes naturally give less warning time to prepare than longer-tracked Cabo Verde style hurricanes in August and September.
Hurricane Audrey – the strongest recorded June hurricane – struck southwestern Louisiana 66 years ago Tuesday at its peak intensity as a Category 3 hurricane with 125 mph winds, killing upwards of 500 people, and making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
Thankfully, this June looks to end quietly despite a very active start.
A broad area of low pressure south of Bermuda that includes some leftovers of Tropical Storm Cindy is being monitored for weak development over the coming days. Regardless, it isn’t expected to pose a significant threat to land as it moves generally northward.
Elsewhere, the Atlantic should remain nice and quiet into the 4th of July holiday next week.