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.

In May, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, but so far it’s been pretty tame. However, that could end very soon. And people had better be prepared,