Sky's the Limit: Ace Your AMS Certification Test 2025 – Become a Weather Wizard!

A hurricane typically forms over warm ocean waters, specifically in tropical regions. The warm seawater provides the necessary heat and moisture that fuels the storm’s development and intensification. The tropical Atlantic Ocean is one of the primary areas where hurricanes form, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

The sea surface temperatures must be at least 26.5 degrees Celsius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) for a hurricane to develop, which is why warm tropical regions are ideal. In contrast, areas such as polar regions, cold water regions, and over land do not provide the conducive environment for hurricane formation due to lower temperatures and lack of moist air that are necessary for generating such storms. The tropical Atlantic Ocean's combination of warm waters and suitable atmospheric conditions makes it a prime location for the birth and strengthening of hurricanes.