5 Major Storms Forecast This Hurricane Season, FL Weather Experts Say

SARASOTA, FL — An “active” 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, is expected with forecasters predicting 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, according to the Climate Adaptation Center in Sarasota.

The season will be fueled by warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf, a warm Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation and abundant mid-level moisture because of reduced Saharan dust and active African easterly waves, the center said.

“We’re looking at another potentially dangerous year for the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida,” Bob Bunting, the center’s CEO and an atmospheric scientist, said. “Rapid intensification remains one of our greatest threats, especially when it occurs near the coast, leaving little time for communities to prepare.”

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The CAC’s forecast comes on the heels of predictions by AccuWeather, which calls for 13 to 15 named storms this season.

Of these storms, seven to 10 are expected to become hurricanes and three to five are predicted to strengthen into major hurricanes that are Category 3 or higher, forecasters said.

Major hurricanes are storms that grow to a Category 3 hurricane or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Category 3 hurricanes have maximum sustained winds of 111 to 129 mph.

In addition to above normal sea surface temperatures and the AMDO remaining in a warm phase, low wind shear is expected.

Forecast models also indicate a high likelihood of rapid intensification and mid-summer major hurricane threats in the Caribbean, Gulf of America and Florida, the center said.