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Weather Works: Why the tropics fire up in August

Meteorologist Taylor Stephenson explains why tropical activity erupts in August in the this week's episode of "Weather Works."

MACON, Ga. — When we get further into the summertime, most meteorologists start thinking more and more about hurricane season.

Hurricane season started on June 1, and even though the last time a tropical system impacted Central Georgia was way back in September 2021, we still have to be on the lookout for increased tropical storms and hurricane formations.

That's because about 99% of all tropical activity happens between August 1 and November 30.

One reason is because sea surface temperatures reach their peak with all of the summertime heat. That hot water gives tropical systems more energy.

Also, more African waves are produced off the Ivory Coast. These waves are disturbances that originate on the West African coast and head into the Atlantic Ocean.

RELATED: Weather Works: How weather on other continents affects Georgia weather

Between mid-August and mid-October, there will be a new African wave about every three days. Each one of those waves has the potential to become a massive storm.

Want to know the one good thing about hurricanes? You know when they're coming. 

You can prepare for tropical systems in advance. It's best to have an emergency bag ready with water, food, flashlights, important documents and medication.

That's how your weather works!

Want to learn more about the tropics, we did a whole tropics special!

You can find it on our Roku and Amazon Fire TV apps.

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