The Atlantic hurricane season of 2008 was the first such year to feature a major hurricane in every month from July to November. Although Tropical Storm Arthur formed on May 30, 2008, the season officially began on June 1 and ended on November 30, dates that conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin. The 2008 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth most active season in recorded history, and featured slightly more activity than that of the previous year. Pre-season forecasts noted a high possibility for an above average number of tropical cyclones, primarily due to lingering La Niña effects and abnormally warm sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin. Seventeen tropical cyclones were observed during the season, of which sixteen intensified into tropical storms, eight became hurricanes, and five became major hurricanes. With the exception of Tropical Storm Nana, every tropical cyclone during the season affected land to an extent. (Full list...)