AccuWeather Predicts Busy Hurricane Season
The weather service forecasts up to six U.S. tropical impacts in 2025, with 13-18 named storms and 3-5 major hurricanes.
MIAMI — Another busy hurricane season could be in store with up to six tropical systems making an impact on the United States, according to the forecast released Wednesday by AccuWeather.
One of the first annual prognostications for the season, which officially runs from June 1-Nov. 30, calls for 13-18 named storms, of which 7-10 would form into hurricanes. Of those 3-5 would grow into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or stronger.
The forecast also states 3-6 of the tropical systems would have a direct impact on the U.S.
In comparison, 2024 saw 18 named storms, 11 of which became hurricanes, of which five grew into major hurricanes.
Six tropical systems made U.S. landfall including hurricanes Beryl, Debbie, Francine, Helene and Milton.
The source for what could be another busy season is warmer than normal ocean temperatures, especially in the Caribbean and Gulf, according to AccuWeather’s Alex DaSilva.
The water becomes fuel for the phenomenon known as rapid intensification, such as what happened with Hurricane Ian in 2022 when it grew from a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds to a Category 5 with 160 mph winds off the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida.
“A rapid intensification of storms will likely be a major story yet again this year as sea-surface temperatures and ocean heat content across most of the basin are forecast to be well above average,” DaSilva said.
Similar to how Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record forming in early July, DaSilva said the 2025 season could also have a quick start.
But also similar to 2024, DaSilva expects a lull in late summer before the season picks up steam like most seasons, with the height of tropical storm production coming from mid-August to mid-October.
Last year, 13 of the 18 named storms came after September 1.
“Similar to last year, northern and eastern portions of the Gulf Coast and the Carolinas are at a higher-than-average risk of direct impacts this season,” DaSilva said. “Atlantic Canada and the northeastern Caribbean are also at an increased risk of direct impacts.”
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