Isaias ends historic Atlantic hurricane lull after sunny southern summer

This summer brought an unusually quiet hurricane season to the Atlantic, and that had a side effect for homes with solar panels: more sun. Persistent high pressure over the southern United States and Mexico kept skies clear through August and September, pushing sunlight levels 10% to 20% above average across southern states and much of Mexico. Only eight tropical storms formed in that stretch, and none grew into a hurricane, making this one of the quietest seasons on record going back over a century.

The flip side of all that dry, sunny weather is dust. Without rain to wash panels off, dirt and grime can build up and cut into how much power solar panels produce. A case study in Dallas found soiling losses nearly four times higher than the 20-year average for this time of year, before rain finally knocked the buildup down. If your home has solar panels and you have noticed lower output lately despite sunny skies, dust accumulation could be part of the reason, and a good rain should help clear it.

That dry spell is now ending. Tropical Storm Isaias has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to strengthen into the season's first hurricane, possibly reaching Category 2, before making landfall on the Gulf Coast. A storm surge watch is in place from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown, Florida. Homeowners in that path should expect clouds, rain, and the usual storm risks that come with a hurricane making landfall.