The five things that set the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season apart

November 30, 2025

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by dramatic contrasts, featuring an unusual lull during the typical September peak but ultimately producing three Category 5 hurricanes, only the second time this has occurred on record. Hurricane Melissa became the most devastating storm of the season, making landfall in Jamaica as the strongest hurricane ever to hit the island with 185 mph winds before striking Cuba as a major hurricane. Remarkably, no hurricanes made landfall in the United States for the first time since 2015, though Tropical Storm Chantal did hit South Carolina.

Who is affected

Jamaica (directly hit by Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever to strike the country)
Cuba (struck by Hurricane Melissa as a major hurricane)
South Carolina and North Carolina (impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal with flooding)
Tampico, Mexico area (hit by Tropical Storm Barry)
US east coast residents (experienced beach closures and evacuations due to Hurricane Erin's dangerous rip currents)
Bermuda and mid-Atlantic regions (affected by hurricanes Gabrielle and Humberto)

What action is being taken

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reporting on the season's activity and comparing it to predictions
Colorado State University (CSU) is analyzing factors that led to reduced storm activity during the September lull
World Weather Attribution is conducting studies examining the connection between climate change and Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification

Why it matters

The 2025 hurricane season demonstrates the increasing unpredictability and intensification of tropical storms due to climate change, with warmer oceans and atmosphere creating conditions that make rapid strengthening events six times more likely. The season's three Category 5 hurricanes and the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which became the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, highlight the growing threat that tropical systems pose to vulnerable island nations and coastal communities. The slowing movement of storms and their ability to strengthen explosively within 24 hours represent dangerous trends that challenge forecasting capabilities and emergency response planning.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC