June marks the official beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which directly impacts Florida. The start of this period means conditions are becoming favorable for the formation of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. A hurricane is defined as a tropical cyclone with sustained wind speeds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher. Therefore, June is definitively part of the hurricane season in Florida.
The Official Atlantic Hurricane Season Calendar
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs for six months, beginning on June 1st and concluding on November 30th each year. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) establishes this calendar based on historical data showing when tropical development is most likely. While the season officially begins in June, the climatological peak of activity typically occurs in late summer, around mid-September.
Tropical cyclones are classified based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. A system begins as a tropical depression (38 mph or less), and once winds reach 39 mph, it is classified as a tropical storm and is named. The system becomes a hurricane when sustained winds reach 74 mph or higher, the threshold for a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Hurricanes are further categorized up to Category 5, with major hurricanes reaching Category 3 (111 mph winds) or higher.
Historical Trends for June Activity in Florida
Historically, June is one of the Atlantic basin’s least active months for tropical cyclone development compared to the peak later in the season. Nearly half of all Junes on record have not seen any named storms. This lower activity occurs because sea surface temperatures have not yet reached the maximum warmth that fuels the most intense storms of August and September.
When storms do form in June, they often develop in the Gulf of Mexico or the western Caribbean Sea. This location is concerning for Florida because a nearby storm reduces the lead time available for preparation and evacuation. Early-season systems that strike Florida tend to be weaker in wind speed but still pose a substantial threat.
The primary danger from a June system is often heavy rainfall and resulting flooding, not high winds. Florida’s flat terrain and low elevation make it highly susceptible to inland flooding from torrential rain, even from a tropical depression or tropical storm. Past June storms have demonstrated that even infrequent, low-category systems can be highly destructive due to the high volume of water they bring.
Immediate Preparations for the Start of the Season
The start of the season on June 1st is the appropriate time to move from general awareness to actionable readiness. One of the most important first steps is to review or purchase flood and homeowner’s insurance policies. Flood insurance policies, which are separate from standard homeowner’s insurance, typically have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect.
Residents should immediately determine their specific hurricane evacuation zone, often designated by letters like A, B, or C. Local authorities use these zones to issue mandatory evacuation orders. Confirming this information now prevents last-minute confusion when a storm is approaching.
Another logistical step is to assemble or update a basic emergency supply kit, often called a “go-bag.” This kit should contain at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day, along with essential documents sealed in a waterproof container:
- Insurance policies.
- Medical records.
- Identification.
- Other essential documents.
Finally, families should establish a communication plan, including an out-of-state contact in case local lines are down, and a designated meeting place. Completing these preparations in June ensures organization before the chaotic rush that precedes a major storm during the more active peak months.