The season is expected to be above average due to a "confluence of factors, including continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear, and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon, a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes," NOAA said in a media release.

For only the sixth time since 1950, no tropical cyclones have formed anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere so far this year.

The preseason forecast is just the 30,000-foot view of what’s likely. Here’s what forecasters will be watching for over the weeks and months ahead.

NOAA is forecasting as many as 19 tropical storms this year, including six to 10 hurricanes. Half of those hurricanes could reach “major” strength.

U.S. government scientists forecast an above-normal 2025 hurricane season on Thursday, and said big staffing and budget cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would not hinder its ability to forecast devastating storms and warn the public.

As hurricane season approaches, thousands of weather and disaster experts have raised concerns about NOAA and NWS budget cuts and staffing shortages

U.S. government scientists said on Thursday they expect an above-normal hurricane season in 2025, producing three to five major hurricanes with sustained winds of at least 111 miles (179 km) per hour.

With the 2025 hurricane season starting June 1, NOAA forecasters announced their prediction for how many tropical storms and hurricanes to expect this year.