The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active than last year but still has the potential for above-average activity.

That’s according to Bob Robichaud, a meteorologist with the Canadian Hurricane Centre.

Last year, he says, the Atlantic Ocean saw “near record” warmth—and it showed.

Initial predictions were for between 17 and 25 named storms, with 18 ultimately being recorded.

That’s well above the 30-year average (from 1991 to 2020) of just over 14 named storms per year.

For this year, Robichaud says predictions are lower.

He says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting between 13 and 19 named storms, and Colorado State University has put out similar numbers.

That, Robichaud explains, is the result of cooler water temperatures in the Atlantic.

He says while temperatures are still warmer than the 20-year average, they are much closer to that average than last year. He also notes El Niño/La Niña conditions in the Pacific won’t be much of a factor this year, as that ocean is in a “neutral” condition