As the 2025 hurricane season unfolds, the Atlantic basin has experienced a quieter beginning than usual, while the Pacific hurricane activity is ramping up with Tropical Storm Gil expected to strengthen soon.
A Quiet Atlantic Season So Far
The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, has gotten off to a slow start this year. Only three named storms—Andrea, Barry, and Chantal—have formed so far. While none have intensified into hurricanes yet, the storms have still brought significant impacts. For example, the tropical wave that spawned Barry caused severe flooding in Mexico, and Chantal led to widespread flooding in the Carolinas. Florida has experienced windy and rainy conditions but has so far avoided major damage.
Forecasts predict that the calm may be temporary. Historically, tropical activity tends to pick up significantly by mid-August. Typically, this period accounts for roughly 20% of the total seasonal tropical activity, including two to four named storms and often the season’s first hurricane, sometimes escalating to major hurricane strength. Meteorologists are closely monitoring several tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, anticipating that the fourth named storm of the season, Dexter, will form around mid-August.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season overall, estimating 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. This aligns with historical averages that include about 14 named storms and seven hurricanes per season.
Pacific Hurricane Season Gains Momentum
In contrast to the Atlantic, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which began earlier on May 15, has been much more active this year. Already, nine named storms have formed, including three hurricanes. Tropical Storm Gil, currently positioned south-southwest of the southern Baja California peninsula, is forecasted to develop into the season’s fourth hurricane by August 1. This latest storm is part of a notable tropical cyclone “outbreak” in the central Pacific, which has seen two named storms simultaneously for the first time since 2015, along with the region’s first major hurricane since 2023’s Hurricane Dora. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are also monitoring two other potential systems in the Pacific, indicating sustained activity.
Eastern Pacific storms like Gil typically pose risks to the west coast of Mexico, parts of the Southwest United States, and Hawaii, although many storms remain over open water. Unlike the Atlantic and Pacific basins, hurricanes rarely cross from one basin to the other.
What to Expect Moving Forward
For communities along the U.S. coastline, preparedness remains critical. While no tropical development is expected in the Atlantic basin over the next 48 hours, forecasters continue to watch areas off the Southeast coast for possible development that could bring rainfall from eastern Louisiana to eastern North Carolina, including parts of Florida.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local weather alerts and official National Hurricane Center updates as the mid-August period commonly brings heightened tropical storm activity to the Atlantic. Meanwhile, vigilance along the Pacific coast is also important given the progression of Hurricane Gil and other active systems.
In summary, while the Atlantic 2025 hurricane season has been slower to start, historical patterns and weather models suggest this lull may soon end. Simultaneously, the Pacific season is demonstrating robust activity, highlighted by the imminent strengthening of Tropical Storm Gil. Both basins demand attention as we move deeper into hurricane season.
Stay connected with your local weather updates and prepare accordingly as hurricane season continues to evolve.
