NOAA Predicts Above-Average 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

NOAA has forecasted an active 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 becoming hurricanes and 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status. This outlook, announced in Gretna, Louisiana, marks the first NOAA event in the New Orleans area in a decade and coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Factors contributing to the forecast include warming sea surface temperatures, low wind shear, and neutral El Niño conditions. The forecast aligns closely with an earlier prediction from Colorado State University, which anticipated 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. Although the outlook is above average, it is less severe than the 2024 season, which saw 19 named storms and 11 hurricanes. NOAA officials emphasized the importance of early preparation for residents along the Atlantic coast ahead of the June to November season.