July, Stand By! (credit: Meteorologist Michael Leiba)

DISCUSSION: “July, Stand By!”  That phrase was part of an Old Mariner’s Poem that was first published in 1898,   that refers to the aggressive time frame of the hurricane season.  The “aggressive time frame” is when the Cape Verde Storms develop in the far eastern Atlantic (usually near the Cape Verde Islands).  Even though the hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, the “aggressive time frame” usually lasts from early August to late September, but can start as early as mid-July and last as late as early October. 

These Eastern Atlantic Tropical Cyclones can easily because the strongest ones of the season, averaging 1 or 2 major hurricanes a year!  For Florida residents, Hurricane Andrew of 1992, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne both of 2004, are an example of those aggressive time frame hurricanes.  These hurricanes were so infamous, their names have been retired, and their memories have been etched in the minds of Floridians for years to come.

Oh, by the way, if you are interested in the rest of the poem, here it is: “June, Too Soon.  July, Stand By!  August, Look Out You Must.  September, Remember.  October, All Over”.  So for all you hurricane enthusiasts out there, Stand By!  Those strong Cape Verde Tropical Cyclones may be here before you know it.  

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ⓒ 2017 Meteorologist Michael Leiba