The unusually quiet start to September in the tropics may not last much longer. A surge in tropical development is expected around the middle of the month, AccuWeather hurricane experts warn. The Gulf and Caribbean, in particular, could breed dangerous hurricanes that quickly strengthen and threaten coastal communities.

"Atmospheric conditions will be primed for tropical storms and hurricanes to develop by mid-September," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said, adding that there will be less dry air, Saharan dust, and disruptive wind shear across much of the main development region in the Atlantic and the Gulf.

The Gulf has been virtually untouched this hurricane season, with short-lived Tropical Storm Barry in June being the only storm to move through the region this year.

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