• NOAA predicts 13 to 19 named storms for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
• Expected hurricanes include 6 to 10, with 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status.
• Forecasts align with predictions from AccuWeather and Colorado State University.
• Warm sea surface temperatures are likely factors in increased storm activity.
• The season runs from June 1 to November 30, with a significant chance of above-normal activity.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced its forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting that between 13 and 19 named storms will form, marking the season as above-average. The season officially commences on June 1 and continues until November 30, with peak activity expected around mid-August to mid-October, according to CBS News, ABC News, and The New York Times.

Of the forecasted storms, NOAA expects between 6 to 10 to develop into hurricanes, with 3 to 5 possibly reaching major hurricane status, categorized as Category 3 or higher. The forecast reflects a notable similarity to predictions made by Colorado State University and AccuWeather, which also estimate above-normal activity this year, as detailed by Reuters and Newsweek.

Experts cite the presence of warmer sea surface temperatures as a key contributor to the anticipated increase in storm activity. These temperatures are believed to enhance hurricane development, with academic and private meteorological sources corroborating these findings. Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service, emphasized that warmer waters significantly impact hurricane intensity, according to Reuters and ABC News.

The overall confidence in NOAA's forecast is high, with a 60% likelihood of an above-normal season, as well as a 30% chance for a near-normal season and only a 10% chance of below-normal activity. These statistics provide a crucial framework for communities in hurricane-prone areas, allowing for better preparedness, as echoed in reports by CBS News, The New York Times, and Newsweek.