It has been at least 13 days since the last tropical storm churned waters in the Atlantic. Since then, water temperatures over much of the basin have continued to rise, reaching record-high levels in some areas, increasing the potential for rapid tropical development.

Depressions, storms and hurricane systems play a role in the Earth's massive atmospheric engine by dispersing heat away from the tropics to the mid-latitudes. The more heat builds in the tropics, the greater the potential of multiple strong hurricanes, given that conditions are favorable for them to form in the first place.

"We look not only at sea surface temperatures, but also well down below the surface to reveal the true ocean heat content," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

Water temperatures in por

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