The Atlantic hurricane season commenced on June 1, with experts issuing warnings that this year could usher in an above-average number of storms.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), predictions for the season extend from June 1 to November 30 and estimate 13 to 19 named storms.
In contrast, the average over the past three decades, from 1991-2020, has been 14 storms per year.
The underlying factor for this surge in storm activity is warmer ocean temperatures, which provide additional energy needed to fuel these weather events.
As highlighted in its May forecast, NOAA’s analysis underscores the direct connection between rising sea temperatures and increased storm activity.
Experts are urging communities to prepare proactively for potential storms, even those living far inland.
Professor Michael Bell, who leads Colorado State University’s Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software Team, emphasized that just one storm can significantly impact inland communities, making it vital for everyone to be ready.
Jon Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, stressed the importance of preemptive action given that storms can generate deadly flooding.
Statistics indicate that most fatalities linked to hurricanes occur due to water-related hazards.
Porter noted on a video forecast that both coastal and inland communities need to take advantage of early preparation to mitigate the risks associated with flooding, wind, and even tornadoes as hurricanes progress inland.
Climate change is altering the behavior of these storms, leading to increased precipitation and severe weather phenomena well outside coastal regions.
In recent years, freshwater flooding has emerged as a significant cause of fatalities, underscoring the necessity for public awareness and preparedness, especially in flood-prone areas.
Michael Brennan, director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, reiterated the importance of communicating these risks to inland communities.
As the hurricane season approached, concerns arose regarding the potential impacts of funding cuts targeting weather and climate research under the Trump administration.
Reports indicate that NOAA experienced significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees dismissed and proposed cuts amounting to millions of dollars in funding for 2026.
These proposed reductions particularly threaten climate research and financial support for satellites essential for accurate weather forecasting.
Brian LaMarre, a former meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS), expressed his concerns that the staffing cuts are jeopardizing advances in hurricane forecasting.
With the NWS having lost over 500 workers, the message is clear: the current staffing situation is unsustainable.
LaMarre emphasized that short-staffing at the 122 NWS offices could lead to inadequate forecasting and ultimately result in disastrous consequences during hurricane season.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attempted to reassure citizens by highlighting that NOAA and the NWS utilize advanced weather models and state-of-the-art hurricane tracking systems to provide real-time storm forecasts and warnings.
Critics, however, remain skeptical of whether these models can cope with the anticipated increase in storm severity this season.
Brennan assured the public that the National Hurricane Center is prepared and committed to meeting the requirements of emergency management agencies across the country throughout the hurricane season.
The forecast for the upcoming 2025 season indicates that between six to 10 of the predicted storms will escalate into full-blown hurricanes, characterized by winds of 74 mph or higher.
Moreover, three to five of those could potentially be categorized as major hurricanes, with winds reaching 111 mph or above.
Additionally, forecasters including experts at Colorado State University and AccuWeather align in their predictions, expecting a storm count that ranges from 13 to 18 named storms, with varying projections for the number of hurricanes.
Previous seasons have shown the dangers of these storms, as evidenced by the 2024 season that recorded 18 named storms and five hurricanes making landfall in the U.S.
Hurricane Helene proved particularly devastating, resulting in over 200 fatalities and catastrophic floods across the southeastern United States, while Hurricane Milton inflicted $34.3 billion in damages in southern Florida due to storm surges and tornado activity.
For this storm season, the World Meteorological Organization has outlined the names designated for new storms, setting the stage for what could be another challenging period ahead.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/06/01/nx-s1-5419515/hurricane-season-starts-atlantic-storms-what-to-know
