Tropical systems become less frequent in November because of less favorable atmospheric conditions. Additionally, storms that do develop find it more challenging to make landfall in the U.S. because cold fronts become more common during this time. These cold fronts can steer storms away from the East Coast or keep them confined to the Caribbean.

Rafael strengthened into a low-end hurricane Tuesday night as it approached the Cayman Islands in the central Caribbean Sea, the National Hurricane Center said. The rare November hurricane was expected to continue churning northwest toward western Cuba and enter the Gulf of Mexico this week,

Like Rafael, stronger storms with staying power that form late in the season often originate in the Caribbean Sea. Here's more.

Tropical Storm Rafael is on the brink of hurricane strength as it move northwest in the Caribbean Sea towards Cuba. After crossing the island mid-week, it will move towards the central Gulf of Mexico.