2016 Atlantic hurricane season (Bob, Version 2)

The 2016 Atlantic hurricane season was an above-average season that produced 16 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes. Due to a moderate La Nina, activity was the highest since 2012. Despite a near-average Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), very warm waters in the central Atlantic fueled several intense systems. The season started very early with Subtropical Storm Alex forming on January 12. Activity ran year-round with the season ending with Subtropical Storm Richard in December.

Hurricane Alex
On January 7, the NHC noted the possibility of an extratropical cyclone in the western Atlantic gaining subtropical or tropical characteristics within the next several days as it entered an environment slightly favorable for cyclogenesis. The system briefly acquired hurricane-force winds on January 10, although it slightly weakened the next day. Late on January 12, it is estimated that Subtropical Storm Alex formed, although operationally it was not classified until the next day. Located south of the Azores, Alex strengthened into a hurricane early on January 14. Alex then would peak as a strong category 1 hurricane mid-day on Late that evening, Alex weakened into a tropical storm. Alex turned fully extratropical on January 15, and was absorbed by another extratropical low shortly thereafter.

Tropical Storm Bonnie
On May 17, the NHC identified a non-tropical low located in the central Atlantic north of the Lesser Antilles. Two days later, on May 19 - the low gained a closed circulation and became Tropical Depression Two. Two then subsequently became the second pre-season storm of the season. Amid record-warm water temperatures in a moist environment, Two intensified into Tropical Storm Bonnie on May 20 well east of the Bahamas. Moving northward, Bonnie would acquire a peak intensity on May 21 with winds of 50 mph. Bonnie would retain tropical storm intensity until it turned extratropical on May 23.

Hurricane Colin
On June 27, a tropical wave exited the coast of Africa. The system was designated Invest 92L by the NHC that evening, and the NHC estimated a 40% chance of formation. Three days later, while located just southwest of Cape Verde, Tropical Depression Three developed. On July 1, Three intensified into Tropical Storm Colin about 400 miles southwest of Cape Verde. The NHC predicted that Colin would briefly intensify and peak as a category 1 hurricane. Due to its placement in a moist environment, Colin rapidly intensified to acquire a peak intensity with 115 mph winds on July 2. This made Colin the first major hurricane and second hurricane of the season. On July 3, Colin weakened back to a category 1 hurricane and retained this intensity for two days. On July 5, Colin weakened to a tropical storm. On July 7, Colin weakened to a weak tropical depression and dissipated south of the Azores. Colin was the earliest and easternmost forming July Atlantic major hurricane since Bertha in 2008.