‘Blockbuster’ hurricane season: 6 major storms could hit US this summer, experts warn
Meteorologists have warned about severe weather in another hurricane season, and the destruction could be more severe than what last year’s storms caused.
Meteorologists have warned about severe weather in another hurricane season. This time, the destruction could potentially be more severe than what last year’s storms caused.
AccuWeather has now released its first forecast for the 2025 season. Six major storms are expected to hit the United States this summer, threatening towns and homes. The concerning forecast is driven by meteorologists predicting that there will be a lack of El Niño this “blockbuster” hurricane season.
A weather phenomenon, El Niño can last for eight to twelve months. It brings with it unusually warm sea-surface temperatures to the eastern half of the Pacific, but also weakens the storm system in the Atlantic.
Due to the lack of El Niño this year, meteorologists believe that this year's El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is leaning towards staying neutral, or shifting to La Niña later this year. ENSO, a short-term change in climate, is determined by the warming or cooling of the Pacific Ocean's waters along the equator. According to the forecast, these waters are expected to stay relatively normal throughout the hurricane season. There are chances that it will turn colder in late summer or fall.
The AccuWeather team determined that in either scenario, a more intense hurricane season can be expected in the Atlantic. This will lead to an increased risk of storms impacting the US East Coast.
‘Near to above the historical average number of named storms’ expected this year
The hurricane season this year officially begins on June 1. "AccuWeather is forecasting near to above the historical average number of named storms, hurricanes, major hurricanes, accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), and direct impacts to the United States," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said, according to The Mirror.
2025 could witness between 13 and 18 named storms, including seven to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes that reach Category 3 strength or higher. There could also be three to six direct US impacts. According to DaSilva, there is a 20% chance of more than 18 named storms in 2025.
