The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is underway
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — June 1 was a busy day for the weather community. It was the first day of meteorological summer, as well as the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 until Nov. 30, although it is not uncommon for there to be periods of inactivity throughout the season.
Mid-August to late September is generally when the Atlantic is most active with hurricanes, climatologically peaking on Sept. 10, which is the period when the conditions to form hurricanes are most favorable.
In Western New York, why is this information relevant?
Hurricanes are known to bring catastrophic damage to coastal states like Florida, but once they make landfall, if they have enough energy, their remnants — which can include heavy rainfall, tornado outbreaks, and strong winds — can affect inland states. 2024 was a strong example of this phenomenon.
July 2024 brought a tornado outbreak to Western New York. Four tornadoes touched down in Chautauqua and Erie counties, the strongest being recorded at an EF-1 strength with maximum winds of 110 miles per hour. This outbreak was due to remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which tracked from Texas to New York and produced 68 confirmed tornadoes along its path.
Another example of hurricane effects inland is Hurricane Helene, whose remnants brought devastating impacts to Western North Carolina. One hundred sixteen fatalities and $53 billion in damages due to catastrophic flooding made this the deadliest tropical system in the state's recorded history.
Although the 2025 season has just started, it has been pretty quiet so far. Only one tropical disturbance has been noted and it was not named. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted 2025 to be a very active season, with three to five major hurricanes included in that forecast.
Sara Stierly is a meteorologist who joined the 4 Warn Weather team in February 2025. See more of her work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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