Atlantic Hurricane Season 2025: Latest NOAA Forecast, Storm Tracker Map & Essential Preparedness Tips

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season at a glance Forecasters are sounding the alarm for an unusually busy stretch of tropical activity from June 1 to November 30. NOAA predicts 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes and 3–5 major hurricanes, assigning a 60 % chance the season will be “above normal.” Colorado State University (CSU) echoes that call, projecting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes. Why forecasters expect an active year • Record-warm Atlantic sea-surface temperatures provide extra energy for storm development. • ENSO-neutral conditions mean no strong El Niño–driven wind shear to tear storms apart. • A robust West African monsoon is expected to send more potent tropical waves into the basin. • Long-term “high-activity era” cycles continue, characterized by lighter trade winds and deeper ocean heat content. How warm water supercharges hurricanes When the Atlantic’s Main Development Region stays 1-2 °C above average—as satellites are measuring now—storms can intensify rapidly, sometimes jumping a full Saffir-Simpson category in less than 24 hours. That raises the risk of short-notice, high-impact landfalls. Storm names you’ll hear this year The World Meteorological Organization’s 2025 list begins with Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby and Ernesto. Knowing the names helps residents follow watches and warnings quickly when advisories are issued. Who is most at risk Historical landfall data shows Florida, Texas, Louisiana and the Carolinas remain top targets, but 2024’s inland flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Debby proved destructive impacts can reach hundreds of miles from the coast. Preparedness checklist for June • Review evacuation routes and identify a safe destination. • Restock hurricane kits: 72 hours of food, water and medications per person. • Photograph property for insurance documentation. • Sign up for local emergency alerts and download the FEMA and NHC apps. • Inspect roofs, gutters and trim trees to reduce wind damage. New tools for 2025 NOAA’s upgraded Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System promises 5 % better track and intensity guidance, while the National Hurricane Center can now issue watches and warnings up to 72 hours in advance. A new experimental radar (ROARS) on P-3 “hurricane hunter” aircraft will feed higher-resolution data into models, improving rapid-intensification forecasts. The bottom line A warmer-than-normal Atlantic and neutral Pacific tilt the odds toward more—and stronger—storms. Coastal and inland communities alike should use this early-season window to finalize plans, reinforce property and stay hurricane-weather aware all summer and fall.