Here comes hurricane season, NJ: Storm names and outlook for 2025

Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone. Soon enough, we will put the showers and flowers of spring behind us. The start of June brings thoughts of summer, heat, and beach weather to the minds of many New Jerseyans.

However, June 1st also marks an important day on the meteorological calendar. It is the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season, running through November 30th.

The idea of a hurricane "season" is a bit misleading, as tropical systems can form (and have formed) in the Atlantic basin in any month of the year. However, historically and statistically, the summer and fall months feature the warmest ocean water temperatures and most conducive conditions for explosive storm growth and development.

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Here in New Jersey, we are always watching for any hint of a tropical storm. Even one passing hundreds of miles away can have dramatic and even devastating impacts on our weather and waves.

Tracks of all 18 tropical storms in the Atlantic basin in 2024. (NOAA / NHC)

In 2024, we got very lucky. Only one tropical system — Debby — significantly impacted New Jersey. And it was actually a good impact, with heavy rain offering much-needed (although temporary) drought relief.

MORE: Beryl, Helene, Milton hurricane names retired

What is ahead for 2025? Forecasters look to long-term weather and ocean patterns for clues. We already know the established list of 21+ names that will be used to name storms as they form in the Atlantic this year.

2025 hurricane outlook for New Jersey

Just last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its latest guidance on the 2025 hurricane season, suggesting an above-average amount of activity in the Atlantic this year.

Summary of the final pre-season forecast for Atlantic tropical activity in 2025, showing an above-average year. (NOAA / NHC)

More specifically, NOAA scientists estimate a total of 13 to 19 named storms will develop in the Atlantic basin in 2025. Of that total, 6 to 10 will strengthen into hurricanes (sustained winds 74+ mph). And of those, 3 to 5 will become major hurricanes (sustained winds 111+ mph).

This forecast would be inline with the reality of the 2024 season, which saw a total of 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes in the Atlantic.

Of course, keep in mind, seasonal forecasts like these offer shaky accuracy and precision, and they are rarely actionable for the average member of the public. I offer my annual reminder that it only takes a single storm to make for a highly memorable, impactful, and catastrophic hurricane season here in New Jersey.

The complete list of names for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Gallery Credit: Dan Zarrow

25 costliest hurricanes of all time

Although the full extent of damage caused by Hurricane Ian in the Southwest is still being realized, Ian is already being called one of the costliest storms to ever hit the U.S. Stacker took a look at NOAA data to extrapolate the costliest U.S. hurricanes of all time.

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Check out Dan's weather blog or follow him on Facebook for your latest weather forecast updates.

Fuhgeddaboudit! Great Jersey names for a hurricane

No question New Jersey has been hit hard by hurricanes and tropical storms the last few years. From Ida, to Henri, to Isaias, to Fay and to Sally. But where on earth are they getting these names? Steve Trevelise thinks if they had "Jersey" names, they would be more intimidating. He asked his Facebook following for some suggestions, here's some of what they came up with.

Gallery Credit: Steve Trevelise

https://nj1015.com/ixp/396/p/2024-hurricane-names/

https://nj1015.com/2024-hurricane-season-in-nj/