So far, the Gulf Coast has dodged any serious tropical storms this hurricane season, but experts warn that could change soon. Warm water temperatures in the Gulf are higher than usual, creating a perfect setup for storms to grow quickly. AccuWeather’s hurricane team says the Gulf feels like a giant bathtub with water heating into the upper 80s and low 90s (degrees Fahrenheit), which is just the kind of warmth storms feed on.
Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, explained that if a storm moves into these waters, it’s very likely to intensify into a major hurricane. He pointed out that the ocean heat is near record highs in the Gulf and the western Caribbean, making the situation especially concerning. Because the Gulf hasn’t seen much storm activity so far, the waters have had a chance to warm up even more.
This means any storm hitting the area might strengthen very fast, leaving little time for people and officials to get ready. DaSilva urges everyone to be prepared: check emergency supplies, review insurance policies, and familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes just in case.
Looking ahead, AccuWeather predicts a busy hurricane season through 2025. They expect between 13 and 18 named storms, with seven to 10 of those becoming hurricanes. Out of these, three to five could be major hurricanes, reaching Category 3 or higher.
One storm this season, Hurricane Erin, is a clear example of how fast storms can grow. Erin quickly intensified over warm Atlantic waters and hit Category 5 strength. DaSilva said Erin showed extreme rapid intensification, with wind speeds jumping by 58 mph or more within just 24 hours.
AccuWeather’s forecast also suggests the U.S. may face three to six hurricanes this season, matching predictions for the very active 2024 hurricane season. With such strong storms possible, staying alert and prepared is more important than ever.