U.S. government scientists forecast an above-normal 2025 hurricane season on Thursday, and said big staffing and budget cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would not hinder its ability to forecast devastating storms and warn the public.

NOAA released its outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on May 22, forecasting a range of 13 to 19 named storms and the odds of an above-normal season reaching 60%. Of the predicted storms, NOAA says between 6-10 will become hurricanes, and 3-5 will intensify to major hurricanes (Category 3+).

With the official start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season just days away, forecasters and communities alike are turning their attention to what could be another highly active year.