Hurricane season begins: 'Alex' possible before the weekend

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Alex is the first name up on the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Name list. This storm could form heading into the weekend making landfall in Florida to start the season.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hurricane season has officially began and already there are likely chances for storm development. This season is starting late compared to the last seven years that had the first name of the season start before the designated season beginning June 1. 

Tracking Our First Disturbance:

Hurricane Agatha was the first named storm of the 2022 Pacific Hurricane Season. It made landfall in Mexico and now the remnants are working their way across the Country and are set to exit the Yucatan Peninsula. Once this disturbance moves over the warm Gulf waters it will start cooking. Tropical cyclones need water temperatures to be 80°F or higher down to a depth of 150 feet to form. 

This storm system will try and find its center of circulation (which would classify it as a tropical cyclone) through Friday.

RELATED: Weather IQ: How hurricanes form

Chances of Formation:

It is very likely the Gulf will form at least its first Tropical Depression of the season. But a tropical storm is not out of the question as this wave is becoming more organized.

Limiting Factors:

Dry air and dust are not much of a factor but there is a lot of wind shear which will cut up a storm and limit its formation. As of right now this storm will avoid some of the worst wind shear and will ride some favorable wind shear which helps its chances to form. 

At this at this point will not be a major impact on the Carolinas. The worst of the storm will be well off the shoreline but dangerous rip currently along the coast through this weekend are likely. 

Also, depending on the development offshore, some thunderstorms are also possible for beach goers this weekend. Charlotte should be unaffected by this.

History of Alex:

Alex will appear for the 5th time in its history this year. Alex was first introduced as a Tropical Storm in 1998 after it replaced Andrew that was retired in 1992.

Since then, Alex has become a hurricane the last three appearances.

  • 2004: Category 3 (this storm passed the Carolina’s Outer Banks)
  • 2010: Category 2
  • 2016: Category 1 (This storm formed in January impacting the Azores)
  • 2022: ?

RELATED: Weather IQ: Is hurricane season starting earlier this year?

Time will tell Wednesday and Thursday what is in store with this storm.