September is the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, a time when storm activity tends to be at its highest. The warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico fuel rapid storm development, and atmospheric conditions this time of year often allow hurricanes to strengthen faster and change course more unpredictably. Earlier in August, Hurricane Erin became one of the fastest intensifying storms in Atlantic hurricane history, underscoring how quickly conditions can shift and why staying informed is so important.
As we reflect on this year’s activity, we’re also reminded that 2025 marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history. Beyond the incredible wind speeds and rainfall totals, Katrina changed how communities prepare for hurricanes and highlighted the importance of timely, accurate information for making decisions before, during, and after a storm.
WEATHER 101: THE HURRICANE CATEGORY SYSTEM EXPLAINED
Hurricanes are often described by their "Category", falling somewhere on a scale between 1 and 5...but what do those numbers actually mean? Our latest Weather 101 feature breaks down the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and what each level of storm can bring. Read the full breakdown >>>
TEMPEST AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: HURRICANE WATCH NET
We’re highlighting the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN), a volunteer group of amateur radio operators celebrating 60 years of service. HWN was born during Hurricane Betsy in 1965, when Jerry Murphy, K8YUW, and Marcy Rice, KZ5MM, began relaying critical weather information between the Bahamas and South Florida.
At that time, Jerry spent much of his spare time on the air as part of the Intercontinental Amateur Radio Net (IARN) on 14.320 MHz, handling countless phone patches and messages between deployed military personnel and their families. His work offered a vital link of comfort and communication — but when Betsy struck, that role took on new meaning. With power and phone lines down across the Gulf Coast, Jerry turned his skills toward relaying storm-related messages and coordinating relief efforts.
What began as a commitment to helping servicemembers quickly grew into something larger: a dedication to using amateur radio as a lifeline during natural disasters. That moment in 1965 marked the start of the Hurricane Watch Net, a formal network that has since provided real-time reports for hundreds of hurricanes, helping forecasters and emergency agencies respond more effectively to storms.
Jerry Murphy passed away earlier this year, but his vision and service continue to live on through HWN’s enduring mission: keeping communities informed and connected when it matters most.
Learn more about the Hurricane Watch Net >>>
OTHER WEATHER NEWS
FEATURE: TEMPEST NAMED BEST OUTDOOR WEATHER STATION
HGTV included Tempest in their roundup of the best outdoor thermometers for 2025, naming it the Best Weather Station. It’s a great recognition of what our community already knows: Tempest’s sleek design and hyperlocal data make it the go-to choice for accurate, real-time weather.
FALL MEANS SWEATER WEATHER...OR DOES IT?
Fall weather usually means shorter days, colorful leaves, and lower temperatures, but maybe not this year. Forecasters say much of the U.S. is in for above-average temperatures this fall, especially across the Plains and Midwest. While the Pacific Northwest could buck the trend with cooler conditions, most regions can expect an extended stretch of mild weather well into autumn.
20 YEARS OF REMEMBERING KATRINA
It’s been two decades since Hurricane Katrina reshaped the Gulf Coast and emergency response in the U.S. Since then, technology has advanced with better satellites, faster forecasts, and improved communication tools. Yet challenges remain in protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring no one is left behind when the next major storm strikes.
HURRICANE DAMAGE & COSTS ARE ALSO RAPIDLY INTENSIFYING
As seen last month with rapidly intensifying hurricane Erin, stronger storms are taking a bigger toll. Climate change is fueling hurricanes that bring heavier rain, stronger winds, and longer-lasting impacts, leaving communities with skyrocketing recovery costs. In particular, coastal areas are feeling the strain, where preparation and resilience efforts are more important than ever.
WHAT A WARMER FALL SEASON MEANS FOR YOUR GARDEN
The approaching fall season doesn’t mean it’s time to put the garden to bed just yet. The Farmers’ Almanac says a mild fall could be the perfect window for planting late-season crops and extending harvests. From soil care to prepping for winter, a few simple steps can help you make the most of the lingering growing season.
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