Hurricane Season Is Here, Are You Ready, Belize?

The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on Sunday, June 1, and runs through November 30. With forecasts predicting a normal to above-normal season, Belizeans are being urged to prepare early and stay informed. Experts anticipate 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) forming across the Atlantic Basin this year.

Two major climate factors are influencing this outlook: a medium chance of neutral El Niño conditions, which support average activity, and warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, which could supercharge storm development and intensity.

Though it’s impossible to predict exactly where or when a storm will strike, Belize’s position in a high-risk zone means yearly readiness is critical.

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator at NEMO, told News 5, “The time to prepare for hurricane season is now. You need to know your emergency plan—where you’ll go, what you’ll bring, who you’ll stay with, and how you’ll get there.” He also reminded the public that NEMO operates 24/7 and not just during hurricanes. “We monitor anything that may threaten public safety.”

To help Belizeans prepare, NEMO provides family and business emergency plan templates, shelter directories, and storm-tracking tools on their website at nemo.org.bz.

Authorities are warning the public not to wait for a storm to start preparing. Stock up on supplies, stay tuned to official updates, and talk to your family about your emergency plan.