As summer approaches, experts are sounding the alarm about what could be a particularly intense hurricane season in 2025.
Meteorologists are urging everyone along the U.S. coast and beyond to start getting ready now — because this year’s storms might be more frequent and powerful than what we saw in 2024.
What the Experts Are Predicting for 2025
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) just released their latest forecast, and it’s not looking easy.
They expect an “above average” hurricane season with up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and as many as five major hurricanes that could impact the United States.
For context, last year’s season had 18 named storms and was sadly the deadliest since 2005, with roughly 400 lives lost.
That reality makes NOAA’s warning especially urgent this time around.
The Importance of Taking Warnings Seriously
Ken Graham, who heads NOAA’s National Weather Service, is emphasizing that people need to understand the real dangers.
He points out that every Category 5 hurricane hitting the U.S. started as a much weaker tropical storm just three days before landfall — meaning things can escalate quickly.
He’s encouraging folks to begin gathering emergency supplies like gas and essentials right now, before the rush and panic start once storms approach.
NOAA’s Forecast Accuracy and Preparedness Tips
Laura Grimm, NOAA’s chief of staff, highlighted that last year’s hurricane predictions were impressively accurate, giving people more confidence in this year’s outlook.
Despite past budget cuts to NOAA, Graham reassured the public that the National Hurricane Center is fully staffed and ready to deliver reliable forecasts this season.
One key piece of advice: know your risk.
If you live near rivers, prepare for flooding. Coastal residents should already have evacuation plans mapped out.
Technology Upgrades to Improve Forecasts
NOAA is also planning an upgrade to its hurricane tracking systems in 2025, which will make forecasts even more precise.
Graham mentioned that what used to be a reliable three-day forecast back in 2005 can now be confidently predicted five days ahead.
This improved accuracy helps emergency officials give better evacuation guidance, potentially saving more lives.
What’s Driving This Year’s Rough Outlook?
Another factor fueling the grim forecast is the likely absence of El Niño, a climate pattern that typically weakens Atlantic storms.
Instead, conditions are expected to hover around neutral or possibly shift toward La Niña later in the year, which tends to strengthen hurricanes.
The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle reflects shifts in Pacific Ocean temperatures, influencing global weather patterns.
Right now, the Pacific waters near the equator are expected to stay fairly normal, with a chance they might cool later this year, making the atmosphere more favorable for intense storms.
Warm Waters Mean Faster, Stronger Storms
Even before hurricane season officially starts on June 1, the Atlantic Ocean’s surface temperatures are already running warmer than usual — especially in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Warm waters are like fuel for hurricanes, allowing them to intensify faster and pack a bigger punch.
AccuWeather’s March forecast warned that these hot waters will probably stick around all summer, raising the odds of early and severe storms.
Could Hurricane Season Start Early?
With all these factors combined — warmer Atlantic waters and potential La Niña conditions — forecasters are even considering that the 2025 hurricane season might kick off as early as May, weeks ahead of schedule.
This means that the risk of powerful storms hitting the U.S. East Coast or Gulf states could come sooner than many expect.
What Should You Do Next?
The bottom line? Don’t wait for a storm to appear on the radar before you prepare.
Stock up on essentials, review your evacuation plans, and stay informed.
The 2025 hurricane season looks like it could test the resilience of many communities, so being ready is the best way to stay safe.