2023 hurricane season could see earlier official start

Most of the tropical pre-season activity from 2015- 2021 happened just prior to the official season – in early to mid-May – though 2017 saw its first tropical storm April 19, and the first storm in 2016 began on a staggeringly early January 12. (Credit: Sabphoto/Shutterstock)

The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season saw its first tropical storm in early June – pretty much on schedule for the official season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. However, the previous seven consecutive years each saw early starts, which was the catalyst for the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to consider whether it’s time to move the season’s official start date to reflect these new trends.

Most of the tropical pre-season activity from 2015- 2021 happened just prior to the official season – in early to mid-May – though 2017 saw its first tropical storm April 19, and the first storm in 2016 began on a staggeringly early January 12.