The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was an annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation in the Atlantic basin, featuring bursts of intense tropical cyclone development over warmer-than-normal waters between long and quiet stretches with low tropical activity. Three Category5 hurricanes formed this season, the second most of any year on record, behind only the 2005 season, which had four. Among the three was Hurricane Melissa, the strongest tropical cyclone of the year globally to date, among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, as well as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in Jamaica on record. Due in large part to these systems, and despite a below-average number of named storms and hurricanes, the season had an above-normal accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) rating of 132.4units. The season officially began on June1, and ended on November30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most subtropical or tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic Ocean. Overall, 13named storms formed, 5of those became hurricanes, of which 4strengthened into major hurricanes (Category3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale). The first system, Tropical Storm Andrea, formed on June23, marking the latest start to an Atlantic season since 2014.
Also in June, Tropical Storm Barry struck Veracruz causing widespread flooding in eastern Mexico. Then, in July, Tropical Storm Chantal hit South Carolina, the only system to make landfall in the United States this season, producing heavy rainfall across the Carolinas. No hurricanes made landfall in the United States this season, for the first time since 2015. In August, Hurricane Erin reached Category5 strength. Though never making landfall, it impacted Cape Verde, and had indirect effects on the eastern Caribbean and the Atlantic coast of the United States. Afterwards, unfavorable conditions caused tropical cyclogenesis to cease for nearly a month through the end of August and the first two weeks of September, during the typical peak of the hurricane season. In mid-September, activity resumed with the formation of Hurricane Gabrielle in the central Atlantic. Next came Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda. Humberto attained Category5 strength, but, like Erin, did not make landfall. In late October, the final storm of the season, Hurricane Melissa, intensified into a Category5 hurricane south of Jamaica and made landfall there at peak intensity, resulting in catastrophic destruction. Melissa dissipated on October31, with no storms forming during the month of November, in turn concluding the season. Collectively, the storms during the season caused at least 134fatalities and resulted in at least US$10.555billion in monetary losses, mostly due to Melissa.
Seasonal forecasts
Predictions of tropical activity in the 2025 season
† Most recent of several such occurrences. (See all)
In advance of, and during, each hurricane season, several forecasts of hurricane activity are issued by national meteorological services, scientific agencies, and noted hurricane experts. These include forecasters from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Climate Prediction Center, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), the United Kingdom's Met Office, and Colorado State University (CSU). The forecasts include weekly and monthly changes in significant factors that help determine the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes within a particular season.
According to NOAA and CSU, the average hurricane season between 1991 and 2020 contained about 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 and higher), as well as an accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 72–111 units. Broadly speaking, ACE is the measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical cyclone multiplied by the length of time it existed. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical or subtropical cyclones reaching wind speeds of 39 mph (63 km/h) or higher. NOAA typically describes a season as above-average, average, or below-average depending on the cumulative ACE index, but the number of tropical storms, hurricanes or major hurricanes can also be considered.
Pre-season forecasts
On December10, 2024, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) released its extended range forecast for the 2025 season, predicting an average season with 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes,[nb 1] and an ACE index of 129, but noted that the forecast had higher than normal uncertainty due to environmental factors.[3]
On April3, 2025, Colorado State University (CSU) released its forecast, which predicts an above-average hurricane season with 17named storms, 9hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes, with an ACE index of 155, citing extremely warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures and a weakening La Niña transitioning to a neutral phase by summer.[4] Four days later, TSR issued an updated forecast, again calling for a near-average season reducing the number of tropical storms to 14, but maintained the numbers of hurricanes at 7 and majors at 3 and ACE index of 120.[5]
On April9, the University of Arizona (UA) posted their forecast calling for a fairly normal season featuring 15named storms, 7hurricanes, 3major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 110units.[6] On April14, University of Missouri (MU) issued their prediction of 12–16named storms, 7–9hurricanes, and 3–4major hurricanes.[7] On April15, North Carolina State University (NCSU) predicted a season with 12–15tropical storms, 6–8hurricanes, and 2–3major hurricanes.[8] On April17, The Weather Company (TWC) released their outlook anticipating a well above average season with 19 named systems, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.[9] On April23, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) issued their forecast of 10–18named storms with a best guess of 14storms.[10]
On May7, the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) issued their forecast of 13–17tropical storms, 6–8hurricanes, and 3–4major hurricanes.[11] On May21, the Met Office (UKMO) released their prediction of 16tropical storms, 9hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes as well as ACE Index of 154.[12] On May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released their forecast, calling for an above-average season, expecting 13–19named storms, 6–10hurricanes, and 3–5major hurricanes as well as an ACE index of 95–180.[13] On May23, 2025, TSR updated its forecast, calling for an above-average season, expecting 16named storms, 8hurricanes, and 4major hurricanes and an ACE index of 146.[14]
Mid-season forecasts
On June11, CSU updated its prediction, continuing to show an above average season, with 17named storms, 9hurricanes, 4major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 155. It is the same prediction they had in April.[15] On June17, the University of Arizona (UA) updated their forecast, continuing to call for a season featuring 17named storms, 7hurricanes, and 3major hurricanes, but an above-normal ACE index of 155units—higher than predicted in April.[16]
On July8, TSR updated their forecast, calling for 15named storms, 7hurricanes, 3major hurricanes, an ACE index of 126units,[17] with CSU updating their predictions the next day, slightly downgrading their forecast to 16named storms, 8hurricanes, 3major hurricanes, and an ACE index of 140units.[18] Weeks later, on August 7, NOAA updated its predictions as well, continuing to forecast an above-average season, but slightly decreasing their forecasted totals of storms. NOAA's predictions were reduced to 13–18 named storms, 5–9 hurricanes, and 2–5 major hurricanes.[19]
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season per the NHC outlooks.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June1, and ended on November30.[21] Thirteen tropical cyclones formed, all of which intensified into named storms. Five storms strengthened into hurricanes, four of which became major hurricanes,[22] the highest percentage ever observed in an Atlantic hurricane season.[23] In a post-season review by the NHC, they estimated that the individual strength of this season's storms was 50% harder to predict on average.[24]
This season's ACE index was approximately 132.4units, as officially calculated by the NHC.[22] This number represents the sum of the squares of the maximum sustained wind speeds (measured in knots) for all named storms while they are at least tropical storm intensity, divided by 10,000.
Early activity
Tropical cyclogenesis in the Atlantic Ocean began on June23 with the formation of Tropical Storm Andrea,[25] three weeks after the official start of the season and three days later than the basin's average first named storm date.[26] This marked the latest start to an Atlantic hurricane season since 2014, when Hurricane Arthur developed on July1.[27] Andrea remained over open waters in the central Atlantic.[25] The second storm, Tropical Storm Barry, formed in the Bay of Campeche on June28[28] and made landfall near Tampico the following day.[29]
Shortly after Erin became extratropical, Tropical Storm Fernand formed in the open Atlantic, southeast of Bermuda.[39] Wind shear along with dry air and stable atmospheric conditions inhibited tropical cyclogenesis during the first half of September, the climatological peak of hurricane season.[nb 2][40] This highly unusual, nearly three-week long inactive stretch came to an end with the formation of Hurricane Gabrielle on September17, far to the east of the northern Leeward Islands.[41] The only other season in the weather satellite era to have no named storm active between the end of August and mid-September was the 1992 season.[40][42] Gabrielle approached Bermuda as a Category4 hurricane, completed a right turn just southeast of the island, then moved toward the Azores.[43]
On September24, Hurricane Humberto formed in the central Atlantic.[44] It ultimately became the second Category5 hurricane of the season.[45] To its west, Hurricane Imelda formed on September27.[46] On September30, the centers of these two systems came within 465mi (750km) of each other, closer together than any other two storms in the Atlantic in the satellite era.[47]
Late season activity
On October7, Tropical Storm Jerry formed in the tropical Atlantic, bringing heavy winds and rains to the Leeward Islands; then came short-lived Subtropical Storm Karen on October10.[48] Karen formed at 44.5°N, farther north than any other subtropical or tropical cyclone in the NHC database.[49][50] Next, on October13, Tropical Storm Lorenzo formed in the open Eastern Atlantic.[51] Later, on October 21, Hurricane Melissa formed in the Caribbean Sea.[52] It became the third Category5 hurricane of the season, and the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane by central pressure on record, tied with the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. These three Category5 hurricanes are the second-most of any season after 2005, the only other season to have more than two Category5 hurricanes.[23][53]
On June22, an area of low pressure developed east-southeast of Bermuda,[54] along a decaying stationary front. Deep convection and organization increased, with a tropical depression forming at 06:00UTC on June23, about 490mi (790km) east of Bermuda. Andrea reached peak intensity of 40mph (60km/h) six hours later. Andrea existed in a high-pressure environment, leading to it having an above average central pressure, estimated through the Knaff-Zehr-Courtney relationship at 1014mbar (29.9inHg).[25] Deep convection collapsed by 15:00UTC on June 24.[55] By 18:00UTC on June24, Andrea degenerated to an extratropical low and completely dissipated by the next day, at 18:00UTC on June25.[25]
On June27, a broad area of low pressure formed over the Yucatán Peninsula.[56] As the disturbance emerged into the Bay of Campeche the following morning, a well-defined surface circulation began developing; also, its shower and thunderstorm activity began to show signs of organization.[57] This trend continued, resulting in the formation of Tropical Depression Two that afternoon.[28] The system became Tropical Storm Barry on the morning of June29, about 90mi (140km) east-southeast of Tuxpan, Veracruz.[58]
The storm moved northwestward, steered by a stationary low-to-mid level ridge in the central Gulf. Its intensity increased little during this time, due to wind shear.[59] That same evening, Barry weakened to a tropical depression, and made landfall south of Tampico, Tamaulipas, with sustained winds of 35mph (55km/h).[60] Inland, Barry's low-level circulation soon dissipated over the mountains of northeastern Mexico.[61]
The tropical wave that spawned Barry caused flooding and damage in Quintana Roo. Water levels reached from 16 to 39in (40 to 100cm) in some areas, while a maximum of 428 mm (16.9 in) of rain fell. Total damages from the flooding are estimated at Mex$35 million (US$1.87 million).[62] In neighboring Chiapas, heavy rains triggered landslides, leaving communication links to several communities cut off.[63][64] Heavy rain was also reported in Belize, where severe damage was reported to infrastructure with numerous buildings collapsing in rural communities. Flooding affected more than 20communities as water levels rose at least 50 cm (19.7 in).[65][66]
In Veracruz, Veracruz, two people drowned after rough surf swept them out to sea in their car.[67] Two young people drowned in Santa María del Río, San Luis Potosí, when the motorcycle on which they were riding was swept away by the current of a flooded river.[68] Additionally, one person in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, drowned after his car was swept away by an overflowing sewage canal.[69] In West Texas, the remnant low of Barry caused flooding and minor property damage in two counties totaling US$225,000.[70][71]
On June29, the NHC began monitoring a decaying frontal boundary along the southeastern United States coastline for potential tropical development.[72] Early on July4, a weak area of low pressure developed along the boundary, off the coast of northeastern Florida.[73] Wind shear in the region was weak at the time, and sea surface temperatures were seasonably warm, around 82 to 84°F (28 to 29°C).[74] That afternoon, the circulation associated with the low became well-defined and was designated Tropical Depression Three by the NHC.[75]
The system became better organized overnight, showing a significant burst of deep convection on GOES-19 infrared imagery,[76] and became Tropical Storm Chantal at 12:00UTC on July5.[77] That afternoon, the storm maintained a concentrated area of deep convection over the eastern half of its dense cloud cover, while moving northward off the coast of the Carolinas against moderate wind shear.[78] Early on July 6, Chantal briefly intensified to 60mph (95km/h), and slightly turned north-northwestward, before making landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, at approximately 08:00 UTC.[79] The storm moved northward inland, weakening to a tropical depression strength by late morning.[80] A day later, Chantal transitioned to a post-tropical cyclone over northern Virginia.[81]
In Florida, the precursor to Chantal prompted the cancellation of several Fourth of July events due to rain.[82] As Chantal moved ashore in South Carolina, highest reported wind gust reached 56 mph (90 km/h) in Myrtle Beach. In North Carolina, maximum totals of 7–8in (180–200mm) of rain fell.[83] Flooding and power outages were reported.[84] In Orange County, a state of emergency was declared due to flash flooding.[85] Over 50 water rescues were conducted across the county.[86] An EF1 tornado damaged two airplanes and two hangars at Raleigh Executive Jetport.[87]
In Durham County, North Carolina, rescue crews performed over eighty rescue missions by boat; the Eno River rose 22 feet (6.7m) within a four hour-period.[86][88] The Haw River rose to 32.5 feet (9.91 meters), the second-highest river stage ever recorded.[86][89] In North Carolina, four people were found deceased in cars as a result of flooding, two in Alamance County, one in Chatham County, and one in Orange County. Additionally, two boaters were found dead after going missing while boating on Jordan Lake. In all, six people have been confirmed dead in the state.[90] Losses totaled to US$500 million according to Gallagher Re.[91]
On August 2, a non-tropical area of low pressure with a well-defined circulation formed off the coast of North Carolina from a stationary front. The attached front began degrading to the west-southwest and the low developed gale-force winds in the morning of August3. By the afternoon, its associated shower and thunderstorm activity was increasing and the front to the east-northeast began to degrade. By 18:00UTC that same day, the front was shed and the low became Tropical Storm Dexter.[35]
After formation, additional strengthening was, for a time, stifled by strong westerly wind shear,[92] and the storm appeared to be weakening the next morning.[93] Despite the shear, which increased to 40–45mph (65–75km/h) by the morning of August6, Dexter continued to display convection, and managed to strengthen to 60mph (95km/h) due to the influence of an upper-level trough.[94] Dexter completed its extratropical transition the following day, upon merging with a mid- to upper-level trough.[95]
After completing its extratropical transition, Dexter's remnant further intensified into a powerful, hurricane-force extratropical low on August 8 as baroclinic processes continued to strengthen the cyclone. As the following days passed, post-tropical Dexter weakened substantially, ultimately dissipating more than a hundred miles southwest of Ireland on August 13.[35]
On August9, a tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa.[96] As the disturbance moved out to sea and toward the Cape Verde Islands the following day, a well-defined low formed, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms, with sustained near gale-force winds.[97] On the morning of August11, the disturbance organized into Tropical Storm Erin, as its sustained winds increased to about 45mph (75km/h).[98] Erin moved quickly to the west after forming, where it encountered a poor thermodynamic environment which inhibited additional development.[99] Erin was unable to become noticeably better organized on August12 and deep convection decreased during the morning.[100] Though the conditions around the storm were again only marginally conducive on August13, the convection became more concentrated near its center, and Erin strengthened slightly that afternoon.[101]
Due to persistent dry air entrainment, the storm continued to struggle the following day with establishing an inner core, and convection diminished somewhat over the low-level center late that day.[102] Nonetheless, Erin was able to attain hurricane strength on the morning of August 15.[103] Later that day, its structure improved dramatically, and the hurricane intensified to Category2 strength.[104] On August 16, while moving to the west-northwest at about 20mph (31km/h), Erin rapidly intensified to Category4 strength by 09:50UTC that morning.[105] Next, at 15:20 UTC, Air ForceHurricane Hunters reported that Erin strengthened to a Category5 hurricane,[106] attaining maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 915mbar (27.02inHg), about 135mi (220km) north-northwest of Anguilla.[107] Then, after holding this intensity for much of the day, the storm commenced an eyewall replacement cycle.[108] During the replacement cycle, the system's peak winds decreased to Category3 strength early on August17.[109] After the cycle was completed, Erin reintensified to Category4 early the following morning, with a wider eye, and an expanding wind field.[110] Late that same day, the system weakened again to Category3, as it tracked to the northwest, east of the Bahamas.[111] Erin, now at Category2 strength, turned to the east-northeast early on August21, sending rain and tropical storm-force winds across the Outer Banks of North Carolina. At 06:00UTC that day, it passed about 200mi (320km) southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was also about 465mi (750km) west-northwest of Bermuda at that time.[112] Later, on the morning of August22, the hurricane weakened to Category1 strength due to 35–40mph (56–65km/h) of southwesterly wind shear and falling sea surface temperatures, leading to the beginning of its extratropical transition as it moved northeastward over the open North Atlantic.[113]
In Cape Verde, there were nine flooding-related deaths on São Vicente.[114] Between 00:00 to 05:00 local time on August11, the island recorded 7.57in (192.3mm) of rainfall. On account of widespread property and infrastructure damage from the storm, the Cape Verde government issued a disaster declaration for São Vicente and Santo Antão.[115] Five people were reported missing and 1,500 people were displaced.[116] Rough seas and storms impacted much of the northern Caribbean.[117][118] One man drowned in the Dominican Republic due to dangerous swimming conditions.[119] Erin would go on to impact the East Coast of the United States in a similar way.[120]Tide gauges at Duck, North Carolina, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Kiptopeke, Virginia, recorded major flooding late on August21, around high tide. Minor to moderate coastal flooding was reported in nine other states, from Maryland north to Maine.[121] Despite being far from the storm, Tennessee saw some effects. Upper level winds from Erin steered the remnants of a Mesoscale convective system into the state. A car crashed into a downed tree, killing the driver.[122]
From August14 to August15, a tropical wave moved off of the west coast of Africa. The wave progressed westward for a week across the Atlantic. The shower and thunderstorm activity within the low began to show some signs of organization on August22, as the disturbance tracked near the northern Leeward Islands. The northern portion of the wave began moving north.[123] The disturbance was moving northwestward, amid very warm 82–84°F (28–29°C) waters, toward a steering flow weakness created earlier by Hurricane Erin.[121] Then, on the afternoon of August23, the disturbance organized into Tropical Storm Fernand.[124] Fernand tracked north-northeastward the following day, and began to strengthen.[125] At 13:43 on August 25, Fernand reached a peak intensity of 60 miles per hour (97km/h) and a minimum pressure of 999 millibars, based on measurements from ASCAT and the Knaff-Zehr-Courtney wind-pressure relationship, respectively.[123] Later that day, the storm's structure deteriorated and winds decreased due to northerly wind shear.[126] It also moved over a cooler eddy in the Gulf Stream early on August26, resulting in the loss of all deep convection near its center;[127] though it reignited that afternoon,[128] resulting in some slight re-strengthening.[129] Fernand maintained maximum surface winds of around 50mph (85km/h) over the southern part of the circulation into August27, though, by the end of the day, the system was producing only minimal shower activity, with little convection,[130] and degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone the following morning.[131] Fernand's remnants were ultimately absorbed by a developing extratropical system.[132][133]
On 12September, a tropical wave moved off of the continent of Africa. The wave remained disorganized until 14September, when the southern portion of the wave began organizing halfway between Africa and the Leeward Islands. Per scatterometer data, the wave attained gale-force winds on 16September. On 17September, the southern portion of the wave attempted to organize, but failed. An upper-level trough would then incite deep convection in the northern portion of the wave, where it would become Tropical Storm Gabrielle at 18:00UTC later that day. Gabrielle initially struggled to become better organized due to high wind shear. At the time, the storm was being steered west-northwestward by a subtropical ridge over the central Atlantic. Wind shear subsided on 19September, allowing for some intensification, still somewhat inhibited by dry air intruding. Convection also improved on the night of 19September. On 20September, Gabrielle encountered warmer sea surface temperatures, (SSTs) also aiding in intensification. On 21September, an inner core formed and mid-level conditions became more humid, allowing for rapid intensification.[134]
Gabrielle strengthened into a Category1 hurricane at 18:00UTC on 21September and rapidly into a Category4 hurricane with peak sustained winds of 140 miles per hour (230km/h) at 00:00UTC on 23September about 180 miles (290km) east of Bermuda. Gabrielle began losing strength through 23 and 24September as it encountered cooler SSTs and stronger wind shear.[134] Gabrielle's intensity dropped back to Category1 strength early on 25September.[135][136] Most of its deep convection collapsed as further weakening occurred that afternoon while Gabrielle approached the Azores.[137] Gabrielle lost its tropical characteristics at 18:00UTC on 25September, still southwest of the Azores. Gabrielle's center moved over the islands 26September, with hurricane-force wind gusts. The extratropical system briefly regained hurricane-force sustained winds on 27September. The low began to slow and weaken, passing over Portugal and opening into a trough over Spain on 28September.[134]
The East Coast of the United States, Bermuda, and the South Coast of the United Kingdom were impacted by rough seas.[138][139][140] Some minor damage occurred in the Azores.[141] Iberia was impacted by rain and winds from Gabrielle.[140] Gabrielle's remnants caused significant flooding in eastern Spain, with damages totaling to more than €10 million (US$11.7 million).[142]
Between September18 and 19, a tropical wave moved offshore from the west coast of Africa. For several days, the wave was located amidst a mass of mostly dry air. Eventually, convection began to increase with a cyclonic wind pattern developing. Low-level circulation became well-defined by September24, resulting in the formation of Tropical Storm Humberto that afternoon, about 605mi (970km) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Humberto initially traversed an environment of moderate wind shear, warm SSTs, and a moist atmosphere, allowing for the system to strengthen. Humberto was moving to the west-northwest for the first few days due to the subtropical ridge. A trough would weaken the ridge, causing Humberto to slow to less than 6mph (9.7km/h) from September25 to September27. The storm strengthened into a Category1 hurricane on September26 and an inner core formed due to a weakening in wind shear. The ridge would soon restrengthen, allowing Humberto to return to speed. At the same time, Humberto would undergo rapid intensification until late on September27, when Humberto attained Category5 strength, about 345mi (555km) north-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. At 00:00UTC on September28, Humberto attained its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) and minimum central pressure of 918mb (27.11inHg).[143]
That same day, Humberto turned northwestward and began a lengthy eyewall replacement cycle, taking 36hours to complete, and causing the core to present a double eyewall for an extended period of time. Data collected around 00:00UTC on September29 by Hurricane Hunters and synthetic-aperture radar found the outer eyewall stronger than the interior, indicating the inner was subsiding and the exterior was becoming dominant. The system began to slightly restrengthen after the cycle through September29. Then, SSTs began to cool, and wind shear strengthened, weakening Humberto. Humberto also turned northward in between Hurricane Imelda and a subtropical ridge. Moving north-northwestward that day, the system continued to weaken, falling to Category3 strength by the end of the day, and then to Category1 the following morning. By October1, the hurricane turned to the northeast and the circulation became elongated, dissipating later that day as it was absorbed by a frontal zone.[143]
A tropical storm watch was issued for Bermuda on September28.[144] On Bermuda, 2in (51mm) of rain fell, wind gusts of up to 41mph (66km/h), and coastal flooding was reported as Humberto passed the island.[143][145] Minimal impact was reported in the territory.[146] The East Coast of the United States saw high surf from Humberto and Imelda.[147] In Puerto Rico, moisture from Humberto and the precursor of Imelda fueled thunderstorms over the territory. Street flooding and landslides forced road closures. Damage throughout the region totaled to US$2,000.[148]
On September21, a tropical wave began producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms far east of the Windward Islands.[149] On September25, the disturbance began showing signs of organization near Hispaniola.[150] A low-level circulation began to form within the disturbance the following day, at which time it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.[151] On the morning of September27, more organization occurred, and the disturbance became Tropical Depression Nine.[152] Moving slowly northward, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Imelda the following afternoon, about 370mi (600km) southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida.[153] Early on September30, while over the central Bahamas, deep convection redeveloped along the western side of Imelda, and it turned to the northeast.[154] That same morning, the storm strengthened into a Category1 hurricane.[155] Imelda's inner core structure continued to improve into October1, and it intensified to Category2.[156] That evening, as the system began its transition into an extratropical cyclone, the eye of Imelda brushed the coast of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 100mph (155km/h).[157] Then, while moving quickly toward the east-northeast out to sea early the next morning, the system weakened back to Category1, then completed its extratropical transition.[158]
The precursor disturbance produced squalls with torrential rains across Puerto Rico and the eastern Dominican Republic on September23 and24.[159] A man died in Puerto Rico as flood waters swept his car away.[160][161] Haiti, Turks and Caicos, and eastern Cuba also experienced heavy rains and gusty winds of the disturbance.[162] Areas along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast received strong wind gusts and rain showers from Imelda, along with rough surf from Imelda and Hurricane Humberto combined.[163] In Volusia County, Florida, a man drowned due in a rip current.[164] In North Carolina, waves caused eight homes along the Outer Banks shoreline to collapse.[165] AON estimates that Imelda caused more than US$10 million in damage.[142]
On October3, a tropical wave emerged off the coast of Africa. The wave progressed across the Atlantic and grew more organized over the next few days, and became a tropical cyclone on October7 around 1,300 miles (2,100km) east of the Leeward Islands, after developing a low-level center and organized thunderstorm activity. Due to a subtropical ridge to the north, Jerry initially progressed to west-northwest. Jerry's speed, environmental wind shear, and dry air intrusions kept the storm asymmetric and from intensifying rapidly.[166]
By 18:00UTC on October8, the storm reached peak winds of 65mph (100km/h) about 600 miles (970km) east-southeast of the Leeward Islands. Jerry remained at peak intensity for about a day while moving closer to the Leeward Islands. Jerry eventually met the edge of the ridge on October9 and began moving northwestward, slower than before. On October10, the storm made the closest approach to the Lesser Antilles with a distance of 30 miles (48km) east of Barbuda. The system was asymmetrical leading to the most damaging wind and rain remaining at sea. Once Jerry moved north of the islands, tropical-storm-force winds impacted them. Later on October10, Jerry turned northward and gradually weakened before opening into a trough on October11.[166]
Rainfall surpassed 9in (230mm) in some areas of Antigua and Barbuda, generating flash floods and minor landslides.[167] Floods damaged equipment at the MET office building on Antigua.[168] Major roads and businesses in Guadeloupe were inundated.[169][170] Seven people were rescued after their boat encountered rough seas off Guadeloupe.[171] In Le Moule, Guadeloupe, floods swept away a car, killing the driver.[172] Around 600 people lost power on the island. Airports on Saint Martin suspended operations for 13 hours,[173] and government offices in Sint Maarten were closed on October10.[174] Several farmers in Saint-François sustained severe crop losses from the storm.[175]
A celebration of the emancipation of slaves on Saint Barthélemy was cancelled.[176] The Jour de la Nuit in Gustavia was cancelled.[177] A shelter of two classrooms was opened on the island in Gustavia and managed by the Red Cross and reserves.[178] Gusts of 56 miles per hour (90km/h) were recorded on Saint Barthélemy.[7] The Gustaf III Airport was closed on October10.[179]
On October 8, the frontal low pressure system that would lead to Karen's formation arose from an upper-level trough in the mid-latitude Atlantic. The low soon became occluded and the upper-level trough moved over the low pressure system. As the low moved to the northeast, convection began occurring closer to the center. A pass by Sentinel-1A found that the low was no longer attached to the frontal system and become classed as a subtropical cyclone via the Hebert-Poteat technique at 12:00UTC on October9. Sea surface temperatures were only 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C), below what is typically required for tropical cyclogenesis. Karen was able to develop due to a suppressed tropopause and high-instability in the region. A compact storm with sustained winds of 45mph (75km/h), Karen tracked northeastward, producing some displaced moderate convection.[49] As it moved north-northeastward that evening, however, the storm's convection fully dissipated, making the system a remnant low.[180]
On October9, a tropical wave emerged into the tropical Atlantic,[181] passing south of Cape Verde,[182] while producing widespread disorganized showers and thunderstorms as it moved west-northwestward over the next few days.[183] Organization began on October11.[181] The disturbance became better organized late on October12, producing tropical-storm-force winds, along with a large burst of deep convection.[184] At 06:00UTC on October13, a well-defined circulation formed and the system became a tropical storm. At 00:00UTC on October14, wind speeds of 60mph (97km/h) was recorded, though maximum winds were likely undersampled. The maximum intensity was estimated to be 1000 millibars through the Knaff-Zehr-Courtney wind-pressure relationship.[181] The storm became embedded in a sheared and dry environment on October14, however, causing it to weaken.[185] As a result of the adverse atmospheric conditions, the storm later struggled to produce organized convection and maintain a closed circulation,[186] and on October 15, Lorenzo degenerated into a remnant low over the open eastern Atlantic.[187]
On October19, an extensive tropical wave moved through the Windward Islands and into the Caribbean Sea.[188] The disturbance moved quickly westward, then slowed significantly, providing an opportunity for development of a well-defined center and organized deep convection early on October21, becoming Tropical Storm Melissa.[189] On account of weak steering currents, Melissa moved slowly and erratically west to northwest over the very warm waters of the central Caribbean for the next several days following formation, and was unable to strengthen appreciably due to westerly wind shear.[190] Once the wind shear diminished, Melissa became better vertically aligned, turned more northward, and strengthened.[191] Then, enabled by very favorable conditions, Melissa began a period of rapid intensification on October25,[192] reaching Category4 hurricane strength early the next day.[193] After a brief pause, intensification resumed, and while moving generally westward, Melissa attained Category5 status early on October27.[194] The system subsequently attained maximum sustained winds of 185mph (295km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 892 mbar (hPa; 26.34inHg) about 45mi (70km) south-southeast of Negril, Jamaica the next morning.[195] The hurricane made landfall near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, at that intensity later that afternoon.[196] The hurricane weakened inland over the mountains, and emerged off Jamaica's north coast into the Caribbean at Category4 strength.[197] The system then further weakened to Category3 hurricane soon thereafter.[198] Following this, Melissa briefly regained category 4 status for just 3 hours before weakening back to category 3 status.[199] At 07:10UTC the next morning, Melissa made landfall in Cuba, about 20mi (30km) east of Chivirico, with sustained winds of 120mph (195km/h).[200] Inland, the rugged terrain of Cuba led to additional weakening, with of the storm's sustained winds falling to low-end Category2 strength by the time Melissa moved back offshore, into the Atlantic Ocean, eight hours later.[201] The system then further weakened to Category1 strength soon thereafter, while beginning to accelerate to the northeast.[202] However, Melissa re-strengthened into a Category2 hurricane on October30, after traversing the Bahamas.[203] Melissa weakened again to Category1 strength early on October31, as it passed near Bermuda.[204] That same day, Melissa completed its transition into a hurricane-force extratropical cyclone.[205]
So far, there have been at least 106 fatalities related to Melissa. In Haiti, a river flood killed25,[206] one person was killed by a falling tree in Marigot, while five others were injured by floods in Artibonite Department.[207] Four died in the Dominican Republic.[208] In total, at least 47 have died in Hispaniola.[206][209][210] Three people died on Jamaica before the storm in the preparations phase,[211] 45 were directly killed by Melissa,[212] and several died due to mosquito-borne diseases.[213][214] The precursor to Melissa brought heavy rain squalls to Barbados, where wind gusts up to 45 mph (74 km/h) were recorded at Grantley Adams International Airport. Additionally, peak gusts of 32 mph (52 km/h) at Saint Lucia and 37 mph (61 km/h) at Martinique were observed as well.[188] In the Dominican Republic, streets across Santo Domingo became flooded.[210] Nationwide, over one million homes were left without water service,[215] as 56 aqueducts were put out of service by the storm.[216] Western Jamaica was devastated by the hurricane with scores of buildings, including historical landmarks and public building, destroyed.[217] Damage from the hurricane hurt Jamaica's tourism industry,[218] with 40–50% of hotels damaged by Melissa.[219] Agriculture suffered huge losses, with hundreds of thousands of acres of crops destroyed by Melissa.[220]Leptospirosis outbreaks broke out after the storm related to standing water.[221] In Cuba, widespread damage and flooding occurred across the eastern part of the nation.[222] Over 900,000 houses and 600 medical facilities were damaged or destroyed.[223][224] In the aftermath of Melissa, several organizations sent donations to help the affected islands, particularly Cuba and Jamaica, recover.[225][226][227]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Atlantic in 2025.[228] This is the same list used in the 2019 season, with the exception of Dexter, which replaced Dorian.[229] The name Dexter was used for the first time this season. Names retired, if any, will be announced by the World Meteorological Organization in the spring of 2026.
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It includes their duration, names, intensities, areas affected, damages, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2025 USD.
↑Hurricanes reaching Category3 and higher—1-minute sustained winds higher than 110 miles per hour (178km/h)—on the Saffir–Simpson scale are described as major hurricanes.[20]
↑September 10 is the climatological mid-point of the Atlantic hurricane season.[40]
↑Hagen, Andrew (August 9, 2025). Seven-Day Tropical Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
↑Berg, Robbie; Blake, Eric (August 10, 2025). Special Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
↑Jack, Beven (August 15, 2025). Hurricane Erin Discussion Number 17 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (August 15, 2025). Hurricane Erin Discussion Number 19 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
↑Cangialosi, John; Gibbs, Alex; Kelly, Larry (August 15, 2025). Hurricane Erin Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
↑Beven, Jack; Kelly, Larry (August 16, 2025). Hurricane Erin Tropical Cyclone Update (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
↑Beven, Jack (August 16, 2025). Hurricane Erin Advisory Number 22 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (August 16, 2025). Hurricane Erin Discussion Number 23 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
↑Cangialosi, John (August 17, 2025). Hurricane Erin Discussion Number 24 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (August 17, 2025). Hurricane Erin Discussion Number 27 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
↑Beven, Jack (August 18, 2025). Hurricane Erin Advisory Number 31 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
↑Reinhart, Brad (October 1, 2025). Hurricane Imelda Discussion Number 20 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (October 1, 2025). Hurricane Imelda Discussion Number 22 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
↑Staff, Editorial (October 10, 2025). "WATCH: Major Flooding at MET Office". Antigua News - Breaking stories that captivate. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (October 25, 2025). Hurricane Melissa Discussion Number 18 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (October 29, 2025). Hurricane Melissa Discussion Number 33 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
↑Papin, Philippe (October 29, 2025). Hurricane Melissa Discussion Number 34 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
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