The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, spanning from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be “near-average,” according to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach.

Forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather suggest a total of 12 named storms and five hurricanes this year. Klotzbach, an expert in Atlantic basin seasonal hurricane forecasting, noted that accumulated cyclone energy is projected to reach 90% of the norm, accompanied by near-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic. He also highlighted that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to remain “neutral.”

For context, the National Hurricane Center recorded 18 named storms in 2024, including five major hurricanes. Among those, three—Debby, Helene, and Milton—struck Florida’s Gulf Coast. Comparatively, an average Atlantic hurricane season typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

Looking further back, the 2023 season featured 20 named storms, ranking it as the fourth most active season since 1950. Of these, seven became hurricanes, with three intensifying to major hurricanes.

As we head into 2025, the National Hurricane Center has released the official storm names for the season: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Carrier Management)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news