For the seventh year in a row, a named storm has formed prior to the official start of hurricane season.

A graph showing the date of the first named storm each year since 1971

The earliest named storm of each year has been trending earlier, both because of natural storm cycles and climate change.

Credit: Climate Central

Hurricane season begins June 1, but for the seventh year in a row we’ve already had a named storm.

Subtropical storm Ana spun out in the middle of the Atlantic earlier this month. And as we head into the season, forecasters are again predicting a higher-than-average number of storms.

The increased hurricane activity in recent years is in part due to natural cycles. But meteorologist Athena Masson said climate change plays a part, too.

“You need 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 26.5 degrees centigrade in order for a hurricane to grow and evolve and continue to thrive within the ocean,” she said.

More of the ocean is now that warm for more of the year.

As the season begins, Masson says it’s essential to have a plan made and a kit packed in case a storm comes your way.

Hurricane season runs through November.

Tags: Georgia  hurricane season  Atlanta  Macon  Savannah