AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Atlantic Basin has had six named storms so far this year, with five tropical storms and one major hurricane.
September is climatologically known as peak hurricane season, more specifically Sept. 10. Most named storms develop between mid-August and mid-October.
In Depth: Peak hurricane ingredients
There are several atmospheric ingredients to why September is peak hurricane season, such as weakened wind shear, warm ocean temperatures and less dusty dry air, which suppresses tropical development.
Currently, the Gulf is experiencing near or slightly warmer than normal sea surface temperatures which act like fuel in strengthening size and strength of tropical systems.
Meteorologists are still forecasting an active hurricane season with 13-18 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-5 major hurricanes (Cat. 3+).
