Understanding Tropical Cyclones
A tropical cyclone is a weather system characterized by rapidly rotating winds around a low-pressure center, spinning counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, according to Mexico’s National Weather Service (SMN).
Expected Tropical Cyclone Events in 2025
Based on data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, the SMN anticipates 36 tropical cyclone events ranging from a tropical depression to Category 5 huracanes, the most intense on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Pacific Ocean
- 1 tropical depression
- 8 tropical storms
- 6 intense storms
- 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5)
Atlantic Ocean
- 2 tropical depressions
- 7 tropical storms
- 4 intense storms
- 4 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5)
Currently, there are still 14 potential tropical cyclones expected in the Atlantic by the end of 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a tropical cyclone? A tropical cyclone is a weather system with rapidly rotating winds around a low-pressure center. In the Northern Hemisphere, it spins counterclockwise; in the Southern Hemisphere, clockwise.
- How many tropical cyclones are expected in 2025? The SMN anticipates a total of 36 tropical cyclone events in 2025, including depressions, storms, and hurricanes up to Category 5 intensity.
- How many cyclones are expected in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans? The Pacific is expected to see 19 cyclones (including 4 major hurricanes), while the Atlantic is forecasted for 17 cyclones (including 4 major hurricanes). There are still 14 potential cyclones expected in the Atlantic by year’s end.
