The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins on Sunday, June 1, and NOAA has released its annual outlook. NOAA is calling for above normal activity this hurricane season.

NOAA's outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above normal season, a 30% chance of a near normal season and a 10% chance of a below normal season. 

NOAA forecasts a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms, of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes, including 3 to 5 major hurricanes, which are a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.

Remember, predictions of the season’s activity are not predictions of exactly how many storms will make landfall in a particular place. Individual storms make impacts, regardless of how active (or not) a season is. Coastal residents should do what they can to make sure they're prepared every year.

NOAA researchers cite a handful of different factors for this year's forecast. "Continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes. All of these elements tend to favor tropical storm formation."

NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham says “this outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens."

Here is the list of names being used for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, last used in 2019. Dexter is the only new name on the list after Dorian was retired for causing extensive death and destruction in the Bahamas, Southeast U.S. and eastern Canada.

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