HOUSTON — We're in the middle of the summer, and the Atlantic hurricane season is entering its most active stretch, with conditions quickly ramping up as we approach the climatological peak on Sept. 10. After a relatively quiet start, recent days have seen a notable uptick in tropical activity, signaling the transition into the heart of the season.

Tropical waters that started the season on the cooler side have warmed and a traveling spot of storminess is stoking African tropical waves.

At the beginning of August, tropical systems typically form in areas stretching from the Caribbean up along the East Coast of the United States.