The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season was an active North Atlantic tropical cyclone season when 24 named storms formed. The fatality numbers reached 571, the highest since 1999. The tropical cyclones in the season also caused major damages, accounting to $22 billion, the highest since 1992. Sea surface temperatures in 2004 were very high, causing increased activity. During August and September, 26 °C waters reached as far north as Newfoundland and the British Isles.