The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and extends through November 30, and this year’s forecast has many meteorologists and emergency responders on alert. Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting an above-average season for 2025, with 13 to 19 named storms expected. Of these, 6 to 10 may become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 could develop into major hurricanes, rated Category 3 or higher.
These predictions come as ocean temperatures across the Atlantic Basin remain significantly warmer than usual, which fuels hurricane formation. The neutral state of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) also contributes to lower wind shear, creating favorable conditions for storm development. This combination of factors leads forecasters to believe that the 2025 season could be particularly active.
Despite these warnings, no named storms have formed yet this season. This marks the fourth consecutive year in which the Atlantic has entered June without a named storm. While some may take that as a sign of a quiet season, meteorologists caution against complacency. In 2004, for example, the first named storm didn’t form until July, but the season went on to be one of the most destructive in decades.
The first storm of the season often forms around June 20 based on historical data, so experts say the clock is ticking for households and communities to prepare. The U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA have released updated guidelines urging residents—especially those in coastal and hurricane-prone regions like Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas—to take the start of the season seriously.
Emergency preparedness includes assembling disaster supply kits with food, water, medication, batteries, and essential documents, as well as making evacuation plans in advance. For boaters and coastal businesses, securing property and equipment and reviewing insurance coverage are equally critical.
Authorities also remind residents to sign up for emergency alerts and monitor trusted weather services for up-to-date forecasts. As climate patterns shift, storms can intensify rapidly, giving communities less time to react.
In recent years, hurricanes have brought not just wind damage and flooding, but also long-lasting power outages and infrastructure disruption. With urban populations growing and weather becoming more extreme, the need for proactive planning is greater than ever.
Whether or not a storm is currently churning in the Atlantic, the message from officials is clear: be ready. The 2025 hurricane season is here, and preparation today could save lives and property tomorrow.
