The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has announced several updates to its forecasting tools as the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches. Among the key changes: a refined “cone of uncertainty” and enhanced communication of inland wind threats.

Following positive feedback from the 2024 season, the cone of uncertainty graphic will now include inland watches and warnings. This improvement aims to better represent wind risks that extend beyond coastal areas.

Additionally, the size of the track forecast cone will shrink slightly—by about 3 to 5% in the Atlantic basin—thanks to improved forecasting. The NHC notes that the cone reflects the probable path of a storm’s center, not the full extent of its hazards.

A preview of the new experimental cone graphic is available. While the standard version of the cone (excluding inland alerts) will still be distributed, the updated experimental version will appear on the NHC’s website roughly 30 minutes after each advisory is issued. It will be included with both full and intermediate advisories.

Updates to Potential Tropical Cyclone Forecasting

Since 2017, the National Hurricane Center has issued forecasts for potential tropical cyclones (PTCs) to alert the public about developing threats. Starting this season, these advisories can now be issued up to 72 hours in advance, providing earlier warnings.

Improved Rip Current Risk Communication

In response to a rise in rip current and surf-related fatalities during tropical systems, the NHC will now enhance public awareness of these dangers. During active tropical events, the NHC will share a national rip current risk map based on data from local National Weather Service Forecast Offices.

This map will indicate general rip current risks but won’t provide specific wave height details. A prototype version is currently available.

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Names

Here are the names selected for storms in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season:

Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, Wendy.

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(Image credit: NOAA)

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