System Could Become First Named Storm of Year

East of Bermuda, a disturbance that could become the first named storm of the 2019 hurricane season is trying to earn the name Andrea, as first reported by the Palm Beach Daily News. 

As of Monday morning, the National Hurricane Center was giving the large area of cloudinesses and disorganized showers a 60 percent change of becoming either a tropical or subtropical storm in the following 48 hours.

However, as a result of environmental conditions expected to begin Wednesday, the system is expected to be short-lived. Even if Andrea does form, these conditions will make it difficult for the storm to deepen. 

Although the storm is not expected to affect South Florida, it’s early arrival—nearly two weeks ahead of the official June 1 start of hurricane season—makes it noteworthy.

An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft was scheduled to investigate the disturbance, dubbed Invest 90L, Monday afternoon, if necessary. 

It is not unusual for tropical systems to form before hurricane season official begins on June 1. Since 2012, six tropical storms and one hurricane have formed outside of hurricane season.

Last year, Tropical Storm Alberto formed on May 25.

System Could Become First Named Storm of Year

In 2017, Tropical Storm Arlene formed on April 20 and claimed its title as only the second tropical storm on record to form in April, joining Ana, which formed in April 2003. Arlene was the first named storm of 2017.

In 2016 Hurricane Alex formed in January and became the first hurricane to do so since January of 1938. Alex was followed by Tropical Storm Bonnie, which formed May 28.

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane season was established in 1935 and was to last June 15 through Nov. 15. During this period a special telegraph line was set up to connect weather offices.

Those dates were revised in 1965, when hurricane season was expanded from June 1 through the end of November. Historically, June 1 through November has included about 97 percent of tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin.