This Sunday, June 1, marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which will last until November 30. Forecasts indicate that this year’s storms could be more intense, with up to 10 hurricanes expected to form.
Gloria Ceballos, director of the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), warned in early May that meteorological experts forecast an increase in the warming of the Atlantic Ocean waters above normal levels.
Likewise, the expert said there is a possibility of more frequent intense hurricanes due to the accumulated energy of cyclone systems. If you’re planning to travel during these months and specially from August to November, you may be surprised by a hurricane. This period is considered the worst time to travel to Punta Cana or any area of the Caribbean due to the high probability of hurricanes and heavy rains.
However, strong cyclones are rare, so if you have time off and want to visit one of these countries, don’t hesitate and venture out. Furthermore, when a hurricane hits, warnings are given well in advance to be prepared.
Airlines and travel agencies often offer special offers during these times, making it a good option for a more affordable trip to the Caribbean. Speaking specifically for Punta Cana, try to avoid the months from late August to September, as this is when hurricane season occurs and these dates would not be the best time to travel to the Caribbean.
UP TO 10 HURRICANES AND 19 STORMS
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast up to 10 hurricanes and 19 storms for the hurricane season. More specifically, the agency projected between 6 and 10 hurricanes, of which three to five would be major, in addition to 13 to 19 storms.
“We are predicting an above-average season, once again, in 2025. Specifically, there is a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season,” explained Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service (NWS), at a conference.
HURRICANE NAMES
A few days ago, the National Hurricane Center released the list of hurricane names for the 2025 hurricane season. These meteorological phenomena have been individually named since 1953.
These names are Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
INCREASED RISK AND VULNERABILITY
The 2025 forecast follows a 2024 season that was also stronger than usual, with 18 storms and 11 hurricanes, including five that hit the United States, with Helene being the largest, leaving more than 200 deaths in southern regions such as Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.
NHC Director Michael Brennan indicated that hurricane activity has been “very active” over the past 30 years, and insisted that “it doesn’t really matter what the seasonal forecast says, as there are impact risks every year,” as evidenced by the 10 hurricanes that made landfall in some Atlantic country in 2024.
Furthermore, there is an increase in population along the coasts, so “even if forecasts and information improve, vulnerability persists or even increases, because people continue to move to hurricane-prone areas,” Brennan noted at a press conference to mark the start of hurricane season.
Source: Listin Diario
