Hurricane Season 2025: A Year of Extreme Storms and Close Calls

The 2025 hurricane season is likely wrapping up. A winter weather pattern is taking over the Gulf, Caribbean, and tropical Atlantic. Strong upper-level winds are spreading across the tropics, which is typical for this time of year. While it's still possible for a late-season storm to pop up, experts believe the main threat has passed for the U. S. and nearby regions. If this is the end, 2025 saw 13 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). This includes three Category 5 hurricanes, a rare occurrence that last happened in 2005. The 2025 season was close to average. The official "normal" is based on data from 1991 to 2020, which shows an average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. One standout storm was Hurricane Melissa. It was incredibly strong and well-formed, peaking just before landfall. Scientists are puzzled because Melissa didn't go through an eyewall replacement cycle (ERC), which usually weakens storms temporarily. Its core was so stable and the surrounding weather so supportive that the ERC never happened. Wind measurements in Melissa's eyewall were extreme, even stronger than the official landfall intensity. The National Hurricane Center will release a final report in the spring. While the U. S. dodged major impacts, countries like Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti were severely affected. As we reflect on the season, it's important to remember and support those still recovering from the devastation.