Three "Hot Spots" This Year

[Sanibel]

While Cape Verde storms had trouble developing, three areas of the Atlantic Basin were notably favorable this year.

First was the Gulf Of Mexico where Katrina and Rita reached record low pressures and category 5 status.

Next was the Caribbean where Emily developed after traversing the unfavorable mid-Atlantic.

Finally the SW corner of the Bay Of Campeche set off several small, tightly-wound cyclones this year that ran out of water before they could strengthen. Stan is proving two of these spots right now by turning from one of the weakest systems into a strong center bursting system upon hitting the BOC.

Another hot spot is the Bahamas where Katrina and Rita developed and moved into the Gulf for bombing. 92L is on a similar track.

It is too early to tell, but 92L's weak surface feature is just west of Cat Island. This track is similar to K & R. This leaves the potential for Stan to leave the picture on wednesday when it makes landfall and 92L to deepen after its Florida Straits crossing into the Gulf...

[superfly]

Only 3 storms have developed in the Caribbean...Emily formed WELL east of the islands.

[LAwxrgal]

Oh boy.... if that is what you're saying, then here we go again...

Is the GOM as warm now as it was for K & R, the girls who shall not be named?

[Derek Ortt]

4 have formed in the Caribbean

formation is the depression initiation location

Arlene, Cindy, Dennis, and Stan are Caribbean systems

[superfly]

I guess technically the depression that formed Cindy was in the Caribbean but technicality aside, that was pretty much a Gulf storm.

[Brent]

What I found really odd is 2 major hurricanes in the Caribbean within a week, and nothing the rest of the season... and that was in MID-JULY.