The US forecasts up to 10 hurricanes in an above-average Atlantic season

Miami (USA), (EFE) – This year’s Atlantic hurricane season will feature up to 10 hurricanes and 19 named storms, above the historical average, according to a forecast by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The projection, issued each May by this government agency, reflects a total of between six and 10 hurricanes this year, of which three to five would be major, category three or higher, in addition to 13 to 19 named storms, meaning those with sustained winds greater than 62 kilometers per hour.

“We’re predicting an above-average season, once again, in 2025. Specifically, there’s a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season,” explained Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service (NWS), at a press conference.

During the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, hurricanes Andres, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebeka, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy are expected to form, according to NOAA.

The season will be above the annual average of 14 storms and seven hurricanes due to factors such as ocean warming, Graham explained.

“Warmer ocean temperatures are actually consistent with being in a more active season, a period of active time, or a more active time associated with hurricane activity,” he said.

This estimate follows a 2024 season that was also larger than usual, with 18 storms and 11 hurricanes, including five that hit the United States, with Helene being the largest, leaving more than 200 deaths in southern states such as Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.

The Storm of Budget Cuts

The hurricane projection was presented hours after the House of Representatives approved President Donald Trump’s budget, which includes a nearly 30% annual cut to NOAA and $646 million to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Furthermore, since March, the Trump administration has asked NOAA to cut an additional 1,000 workers, or 20% of its workforce.

Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm stated, in response to press pressure, that the cuts do not affect forecasts and that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is “fully staffed.”

“Our top priority is climate prediction, modeling, and protecting human lives. We are fully staffed at the hurricane center and are definitely ready to go,” she stated.

The 2025 forecast was announced from Louisiana to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which, with 1,392 deaths, is among the five deadliest tropical cyclones in U.S. history.