As June marks the beginning of summer and the end of the school year, it also signals the onset of hurricane season in the Atlantic. While the frequency of storms this early in the season has historically been low, with an average of just one named storm occurring every one to two years, recent patterns suggest heightened activity during this month. In fact, at least two named storms have developed in four of the last five Junes, with 2022 being the only outlier.
Historically, the southeastern U.S. coast, the Gulf, and the northwestern Caribbean Sea serve as breeding grounds for tropical storms in June. Storms forming in these areas pose a significant risk to coastal communities in the Gulf and Southeast U.S., amplifying the importance of having a preparedness plan in place.
While hurricanes making landfall in the continental U.S. during June are rare, with only four recorded since 1950, they can still deliver damaging impacts. The strongest hurricane to hit in June was Audrey in 1957, but more recent tropical storms like Allison in 2001 have caused significant flooding and destruction, despite not being hurricanes upon landfall. Other notable events include Tropical Storm Alberto in 2022, which affected Texas with substantial storm surge and rainfall.
Interesting developments over the past two years also include atypical storm formations farther out in the Atlantic, challenging expectations for this time of year. For instance, Hurricane Beryl formed near the Caribbean in late June 2024, illustrating the unpredictability of early-season storms.
Atmospheric conditions and ocean temperatures generally contribute to the slower pace of storm formation in June compared to the peak months later in the summer and early fall. Factors such as upper-level winds and dry air from the Sahara often inhibit development during this time.
On a hopeful note, the presence of early June storms highlights the crucial need for coastal residents to remain vigilant and prepared, ensuring safety against unforeseen weather events. The National Hurricane Center provides an updated list of storm names for 2025, beginning with Andrea, Barry, and Chantal, indicating the continued monitoring and anticipation of storm activity moving forward.