The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was significant, marking the first time since 2015 that no hurricanes made landfall in the United States. This season saw the formation of three Category 5 hurricanes, tying for the second-most on record in the Atlantic basin. The only season with more Category 5 storms was in 2005, which had four. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall last month, is now considered one of the most powerful hurricanes in the Atlantic basin's history, alongside Hurricane Dorian from 2019 and the 1935 "Labor Day" hurricane, due to its strong sustained winds at landfall.

The official end of the Atlantic hurricane season is Sunday. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), this season produced 13 named storms, five of which developed into hurricanes. Among these, four were classified as major hurricanes, with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. An average season typically sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. The NHC uses Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) to assess hurricane season activity, which considers not just the number of storms but also their intensity and duration. By this measure, the 2025 season was slightly above average due to the strength of the hurricanes that formed.

Before the season began, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted above-average activity, forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. The first named storm, Tropical Storm Andrea, formed on June 23, followed by Tropical Storms Barry and Chantal. Chantal was the only storm to make landfall in the U.S., causing heavy rainfall and flooding in North Carolina in early July. Hurricane Erin became the first Category 5 hurricane of the season on August 16, causing significant coastal erosion and storm surge in the North Carolina Outer Banks.

After Tropical Storm Fernand formed on August 23, there was a three-week lull in named storms, coinciding with the climatological peak of the hurricane season on September 10. However, conditions became more favorable for tropical cyclone activity in late September, leading to the formation of Tropical Storm Gabrielle on September 17. This was the first of seven named storms that developed through the end of October. Historically, about 60% of tropical activity occurs after September 10.

Experts noted that it was fortunate no storms impacted the U.S. during the longest federal government shutdown in history. "The forecasters at the NHC kept working, but without pay," said Marc Alessi, a climate attribution fellow. He added, "The U.S. got lucky that no hurricanes made landfall during the government shutdown. FEMA response would have been limited."

Meteorological conditions played a crucial role in steering storms away from the U.S. coastline. Favorable environmental conditions, including persistent dry air, hindered storm development during the busy season. Many storms followed a path that curved away from the U.S. and toward Bermuda. An upper-level trough over the eastern U.S. helped push the jet stream south, guiding storms northward and out to sea.

The Fujiwhara effect, a rare occurrence in the Atlantic, also contributed to the lack of U.S. landfalls. This phenomenon occurs when two tropical cyclones interact and rotate around a common point. In this case, Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto influenced each other, with Humberto pulling Imelda away from the U.S. coast.

The final named storm of the season, Hurricane Melissa, formed on October 21 and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane. It made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert's record from 1988. The storm caused catastrophic flash flooding and winds, resulting in at least 45 fatalities in Jamaica.

This season highlights the potential impacts of human-induced climate change on tropical activity. While the total number of tropical cyclones may remain steady or decrease slightly, the intensity of storms is expected to increase. The three Category 5 hurricanes in 2025 rank as the second-most on record, indicating a trend toward more intense storms. Alessi noted, "Not only are we starting to see more and more intense and powerful hurricanes, but we're also seeing more hurricanes undergo rapid intensification."

Human-caused climate change has led to significant ocean warming, which contributes to hurricane intensification. Research shows that over 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the oceans, creating conditions that favor stronger storms. The heightened vulnerability of island nations like Jamaica to climate change impacts is also evident, as smaller islands face greater risks due to their size and exposure to the ocean. The changing climate exacerbates the indirect effects of tropical systems, increasing the risks of flooding, erosion, and shoreline changes in coastal areas.