.The 1988 season produced 62 tropical waves, 19 tropical depressions and 12 tropical storms, 5 of which became hurricanes. Eighty-three percent of the tropical storms developed from African waves. A comparison with the past 21 years is included. Abstract .The 1988 season produced 62 tropical waves, 19 tropical depressions and 12 tropical storms, 5 of which became hurricanes. Eighty-three percent of the tropical storms developed from African waves. A comparison with the past 21 years is included.