Introduction to the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June to November, was forecasted to be near to above average. This forecast has significant implications for communities along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean, as it suggests a potentially more active season than usual.
What You Need To Know
The key points to understand about the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season include:
- The season was forecasted to be near to above average.
- Through early September 2025, there have only been six named storms.
- The climatological peak of hurricane season is on September 10.
However, as we approach the climatological peak of the season, the number of named storms has been lower than expected, with only six named storms so far.
2025 Atlantic Season Predictions
Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) made their seasonal forecasts back in May and updated them in August. The latest outlooks predict an above-average season: 13 to 18 tropical cyclones (down from 13 to 19 named storms) for NOAA and 16 named storms for CSU (down from 17 to 24 named storms). These predictions include the six named storms we’ve already seen, and it’s worth noting that the average number of named storms is around 14 per season.
How the Season Began
Tropical Storm Andrea formed on June 23, 2025, marking the latest start to a season since 2014. Next, Tropical Storm Barry formed toward the end of June and made landfall in Veracruz, Mexico. After Barry, Tropical Storm Chantal impacted the southeastern U.S., making landfall in South Carolina on July 6 and bringing tropical storm force-winds and flooding rainfall to the Carolinas. Tropical Storm Dexter followed, and then Hurricane Erin, which became a large and powerful Category 5 storm, staying well off the coast of the U.S. but bringing dangerous rip currents to most of the eastern seaboard. Tropical Storm Fernand formed in mid-August and stayed offshore.
Still a Lot of the Season to Go
In September and early October, storms are most likely to form in the central Atlantic and the Caribbean. However, as more frontal boundaries move through the U.S. at this time, it’s possible for tropical cyclones to develop along old fronts in the Gulf of Mexico and off of the southeast coast. According to Dr. Frank Marks, a meteorologist in the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, “We are just coming up on the halfway mark of the hurricane season, usually the time of peak activity.” It’s crucial not to let the current lull in the Atlantic cause complacency, as there’s still plenty of time for more storms to develop.
Notable September and October Tropical Cyclones
Even though many may be focused on fall, hurricane season is ongoing, and there have been many tropical cyclones that have formed and made landfall in September and October. For example, Hurricane Milton formed in October last year and rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm in the Gulf of America, making landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, FL. This highlights the importance of staying vigilant and focused on the forecast, as conditions in the open waters can change rapidly.
Conclusion
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, while slower to start than expected, is now at its climatological peak. With predictions indicating an above-average season and historical data showing that September and October can be very active months for tropical cyclone formation, it’s essential for communities in the affected areas to remain prepared and informed. The season’s progression will be closely monitored by meteorological agencies, and the public is advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings.
FAQs
- Q: What is the forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season?
A: The season is predicted to be near to above average, with NOAA forecasting 13 to 18 tropical cyclones and CSU predicting 16 named storms. - Q: How many named storms have occurred so far in the 2025 season?
A: Through early September 2025, there have been six named storms. - Q: When is the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season?
A: The climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is on September 10. - Q: Can tropical cyclones still form in September and October?
A: Yes, September and October are known to be active months for tropical cyclone formation, particularly in the central Atlantic and the Caribbean, and also potentially along old fronts in the Gulf of Mexico and off the southeast coast.
