July is definitively part of the hurricane season, which is defined as the period when conditions are most favorable for the formation of tropical cyclones. July falls squarely within this timeframe, meaning coastal residents and travelers should maintain awareness of tropical weather developments. While the month does not represent the peak of activity, the potential for a named storm or hurricane is constant throughout the summer.
When the Atlantic Hurricane Season Officially Runs
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and concludes on November 30th. These six months encompass the period when approximately 97% of all tropical storm and hurricane activity occurs in the Atlantic basin, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. July marks the second full month of this official season, placing it firmly in the early-season period.
July serves as a bridge between the quietest part of the season and the coming surge of activity. Although the season is defined by these dates, the National Hurricane Center monitors the tropics year-round, as storms occasionally form outside of this window.
Activity Levels Specific to July
July is one of the least active months of the official season. On average, the Atlantic basin typically sees the formation of one to two named storms during July. Full-fledged hurricanes (74 miles per hour or greater) occur in slightly less than half of all July seasons.
The storms that form in July are generally weaker and shorter-lived than those later in the season. This is because atmospheric conditions, such as wind shear and the presence of the dry Saharan Air Layer, are often less conducive to the sustained organization required for a major hurricane. July marks the beginning of the climatological ramp-up, as ocean temperatures continue to warm, setting the stage for the activity expected in August and September.
The average date for the second named storm of the season is mid-July. A July storm, even a weaker one, can still pose a significant danger if it tracks toward a populated coastline.
Where Storms Typically Form in July
Storm formation in July tends to be closer to the United States coastline. Storms most often originate in the western Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the eastern Caribbean Sea. These areas have sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures and lower wind shear earlier in the summer than the main development region farther east.
This close proximity to land means there is less time for a system to develop and for coastal populations to prepare. A tropical depression forming in the Gulf of Mexico may only take a day or two to reach the coast. July’s systems require focused, near-shore monitoring due to their potential for rapid formation and short warning times.
Crucial Steps for Hurricane Preparedness
July is an opportune time to finalize hurricane preparations. Every resident in an area susceptible to coastal or inland flooding must have a well-defined family evacuation plan. This plan should clearly identify multiple evacuation routes, a safe location away from the coast, and a communication strategy in case family members are separated when a storm approaches.
A comprehensive disaster supply kit should be assembled and easily accessible. This kit must contain:
- Non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
- Copies of essential documents, such as insurance policies, medical records, and identification, secured in a waterproof container.
Monitoring reliable sources of information is necessary throughout the season. The National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service offices provide the official watches and warnings that guide preparedness decisions.