Season on Edge: The Historic 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season set records on many levels, including the most tropical cyclone formations, most tropical storms, most hurricanes, strongest hurricane (Wilma), and the most damaging and third most deadly storm in our nation's history (Katrina). Although the specifics as to why the season was hyperactive are still to be determined, an active season was predicted before the season began on June 1. This presentation will reflect on the 2005 season and place it in historical context. In addition, four storms (Dennis, Katrina, Rita, Wilma) will be examined in more detail, including their interesting lifecycles and how well they were forecast by the National Hurricane Center. Finally, the possibility that some aspects of the season may have been enhanced by global warming will be discussed.