2025 Hurricane Season Nears End: Fewer Storms, But Record-Breaking Strength

With just one week left in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, regional meteorologists say the Caribbean experienced a quieter year in terms of the number of storms, but the systems that did form were unusually powerful.

The most destructive was Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which tore through Jamaica in the final weeks of the season, causing more than US$8 billion in damage and marking one of the costliest storms in the island’s history.

Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon of the National Meteorological Service told News 5 that while overall storm activity was slightly below normal, the intensity of major hurricanes reached historic levels. “We had thirteen named storms in 2025, the normal is fourteen, so we were just one below average,” Gordon explained. “For hurricanes, we had five, compared to the normal seven. But when it came to major hurricanes, that’s where the picture changes. Of the five hurricanes, four became major, and three reached Category Five. So in terms of intensity, it has been quite an active season.”

Gordon said the outcome aligns with long-standing climate projections. “Climate models have shown that even if we don’t get more storms overall, the ones that form will become very intense and develop explosively. What we saw this year matches those predictions,” he noted.

While the data shows it is unlikely Belize will see another storm this season, Gordon cautioned that the country is not completely in the clear. He said intense showers are still possible in December and January, which could lead to localized flooding.

He also warned that once the dry season arrives, Belize faces other hazards, including drought, extreme heat, and increased fire risk.

“As we always say along with our partners at NEMO, we must remain vigilant and prepared at all times,” Gordon added.