2020 Atlantic hurricane season kicks off with what could become our next named storm

Tracking the Tropics: June 1st

As hurricane season begins, FOX 35 meteorologist Kristin Giannas tracks what could become our next named storm.

ORLANDO, Fla. - As the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on Monday, an area in the Atlantic is developing into what could be our next named storm.

FOX 35 meteorologist Kristin Giannas is tracking an area in the tropics for possible development. It will soon move into the Bay of Campeche and is currently just an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorm activity.

However, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts a high chance of development for this area. It specifically has a 80 percent chance of developing over the next five days.

If it develops into a named storm, it will be called Cristobal.

TRACK THE TROPICS: Visit the FOX 35 Orlando Hurricane Center for the latest in the tropics, including daily updates, live radar, and severe weather alerts.

It should hang out in the Gulf of Mexico and eventually go towards Texas and Mexico, not affecting Florida. It will bring along lots of tropical moisture with it.

This development comes as hurricane season officially begins.

Forecasters have predicted that the season will have more activity than normal. For example, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms. 6 to 10 of those would become hurricanes and 3 to 6 of those are forecasted to become major hurricanes (category 3 or higher).

Preparing for hurricane season amid coronavirus pandemic

It could be a more active hurricane season this year. Coastal counties are beginning to prepare for the season while also addressing coronavirus safety concerns.

Tropical Storm Arthur and Tropical Storm Bertha have already formed in the Atlantic this year, developing before the season even began.

BE PREPARED: FEMA supplies checklist for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season

In comparison, the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane season had 18 named storms, matching 1969 for the fourth most-lively season in the past 150 years.

Florida’s hurricane prep tax-free holiday starts Friday

Starting Friday, shoppers in Florida emerging from coronavirus stay-at-home orders can avoid paying sales taxes while putting together disaster-preparation stockpiles for the 2020 hurricane season.

Download the FOX 35 Weather app to track the tropics, receive daily weather reports, be updated with severe weather alerts, view live radar, and more.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX 35 WEATHER APP

Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest weather updates and severe weather alerts.

MOBILE USERS: Click here to tune in to FOX 35 Orlando