Peak hurricane season begins in late August
This year's hurricane season has been relatively quiet, but meteorologists caution against complacency. According to experts, the El Niño phenomenon is nearing its end, and with its disappearance, cyclonic activity in the Atlantic Ocean is expected to intensify.
Meteorologist Juan Vázquez Montalvo, from the Institutional Committee for the Attention of Extreme Weather Events at UADY, explained that so far, the season has been mild. Only two early events have been recorded: Hurricane Andrea in May, and Barry more recently.
The real danger is yet to come
Vázquez Montalvo warned that September is historically the most dangerous month for the Yucatán Peninsula, recalling powerful storms like Gilberto and Isidore, which struck the region during that time.
“With El Niño fading, we’re shifting into a neutral phase that may quickly turn into La Niña conditions,” he explained.
“And that’s when we tend to see a sharp spike in cyclonic activity—something we haven’t seen just yet this season.”
He added that El Niño's upper-level winds often act as a barrier, preventing hurricanes from forming or developing properly.
A perfect example, he said, was Hurricane Barry, which showed erratic behavior and failed to fully strengthen—likely due to the presence of El Niño.
Source: sipse.com