Scientists Uncover Factors Behind Unusual Weather Patterns This Year
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is nearing its end, with no tropical systems expected to develop before November 30.
This season has been characterized by a lower-than-expected number of hurricanes, with only five forming, but a higher-than-average number of major hurricanes.
Four of the five hurricanes were major, with three reaching Category 5 strength, a rare occurrence that has only happened once before in recorded history.
The season has also seen an unusual lull in activity during the traditional peak period from mid-August to late September.
Despite the low number of hurricanes, the season has been marked by several notable storms, including Hurricane Melissa, which reached winds of 185 mph and caused over 90 fatalities in the Caribbean.
The storm’s trajectory took it away from land, with most storms in the Atlantic veering north due to powerful steering forces and favorable weather conditions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has classified the 2025 season as “above normal” due to the high Accumulated Cyclone Energy.
Looking ahead, forecasters expect the current weak La Niña to continue through the winter and return to neutral by spring, potentially influencing the 2026 hurricane season.
Experts note that the 2025 season has been unusual, with a combination of factors contributing to the low number of hurricanes and high number of major storms.
The season’s outcome has been attributed to a combination of natural weather patterns and fortunate circumstances, including the presence of high-pressure systems and wind shear that blocked storms from approaching land.