Date: 01 June 2025.
PRESS RELEASE: HURRICANE SEASON STARTS TODAY, SUNDAY 01 JUNE 2025
Sunday June 1 marks the official beginning of the 2025 Hurricane Season for the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America. The Hurricane Season runs from June to November, each year.
Early forecasts form reputable hurricane forecasting centres such as the Colorado State University, NOAA Climate Prediction Center, Tropical Storm Risk and the UK Met Office suggest that this season will be busier than normal.
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The Colorado State University team in their latest forecast released on 03 April 2025, predict the formation of fourteen to twenty (14-20) named storms, of which seven to twelve (7-12) will develop into hurricanes with two to six (2-6) attaining Major Hurricane status i.e. Category 3 or higher.
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The NOAA Climate Prediction Center scientists in their forecast released on 22 May 2025, predict a sixty (60) per cent chance of a season with above normal cyclone activity. They have forecasted the formation of thirteen to sixteen (13-16) named storms of which six to
ten (
6 -10) could become hurricanes including three to five (3-5) major hurricanes.
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The Tropical Storm Risk team on 23 May 2025 predicted a season with the formation of sixteen (16) named storms, of which eight (8) will develop into hurricanes with four (4) attaining major hurricane status.
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The UK Met Office in their forecast released on May 29, 2025 predicted an average of sixteen (16) named storms, nine (9) hurricanes and four (4) major hurricanes.
In addition, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology forecasts 19 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes.
An average season, based on data from 1991 to 2020, will produce fourteen (14) named storms, seven (7) hurricanes and three (3) major hurricanes.
Key factor influencing this season is warmer-than-normal temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, which can fuel storm development and intensification, low wind shear and an active West African Monsoon. Some meteorologists also note that ENSO conditions could have a minor role.
Although the seasonal precipitation outlook for Saint Lucia for the period June to November, is for the likelihood for rainfall to be below normal, heavy rainfall events that could trigger flash flooding and landslides remain a major concern this year. Excess heat which may have implications for public health and well-being is also forecasted for the period, June to November.
Regardless of pre-season forecasts, the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services urges all residents and stakeholders in the region to remain vigilant and proactive in their hurricane season preparations. Stay informed by regularly monitoring regional weather updates and paying close attention to local reports, advisories, and bulletins issued by the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services.
Additionally, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) will provide crucial instructions and information, which should be closely followed for safety and preparedness.
As usual the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services will be utilizing all available communication channels and facilities, including local news and social media, to transmit timely information to the Saint Lucian populace and other interested parties.
The hurricane season ends on 30 November 2025.
Venantius Descartes
Meteorologist III
NAMES TO BE USED FOR TROPICAL STORMS/HURRICANES IN OUR REGION.
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Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy.
Saint Lucia Meteorological Services