When we think about hurricanes in Florida, we tend to fall into two categories: those who check every alert as if it’s breaking news… and those who wait until the wind shakes their windows before taking it seriously. Wherever you fall, July is a good time to pause, take a breath, and look at what forecasters are actually saying about this year’s hurricane season.

We’re not here to tell you to buy anything, panic, or stock up on canned goods (though a good hurricane snack kit never hurts). Instead, we’re inviting you to understand the broader picture—what meteorologists are seeing, what the ocean is telling us, and why this year may feel different.

According to experts from NOAA and Colorado State University, the 2025 hurricane season is likely to be more active than usual. Here’s what the early forecasts are saying:

• Expect 13 to 19 named storms
• 6 to 10 of those could become hurricanes
• 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher)

This might sound like just another weather report—but here’s where it gets interesting. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico are already warmer than average. That warm water? It acts like rocket fuel for tropical storms.

Most of us don’t think of July as prime hurricane season. But that’s changing. In fact, some of the most surprising storm developments in recent years have happened before the traditional August–October peak.

And with the Gulf of Mexico running nearly 2 degrees hotter than normal, early and rapid development is more likely this year. Translation? A quiet start doesn’t guarantee a quiet season.

Here’s what forecasters are tracking beyond the heat:

Less wind shear. Thanks to neutral El Niño/La Niña conditions, there’s less disruption in the upper atmosphere, which allows storms to strengthen more easily.

Higher intensity. While the number of storms might not set records, the strength of storms is trending higher.

More rapid intensification. Some storms now go from tropical depression to major hurricane in a day or less. That kind of acceleration can limit response time for communities in the path.

These changes aren’t just weather-related—they reflect how climate trends are shifting storm behavior. Storms today act differently than they did even ten years ago.

Living along the coast obviously brings more hurricane exposure, but inland areas aren’t always out of the storm’s reach. Storms often bring flooding, power outages, and supply chain delays well beyond landfall zones.

What’s more, our local economies—businesses, transportation, housing, tourism—are all deeply affected by storm trends. That’s why staying informed isn’t just about personal safety. It’s about understanding how connected we all are, and how one season can ripple across everything.

We’re not trying to spook anyone. In fact, this is a good time to lean into facts and feel empowered by knowledge.

Things you can do now—without a checklist:

• Know your county’s evacuation zones and how to get alerts.
• Understand how to interpret storm categories. (Hint: It’s not just about wind speed.)
• Stay curious. Read forecasts from trusted sources, not just social media.
• Talk with your family, team, or neighbors about how you’d navigate a storm if one comes your way.

July is a great month to get familiar with the horizon, even if it’s still calm.

This year’s name list includes Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, and so on. Ever wonder where those come from? They’re part of a rotating six-year list developed by the World Meteorological Organization. If a storm becomes particularly destructive, its name is retired forever (like Katrina or Ian).

At Comegys Insurance Agency, we’re not writing this as a sales pitch—we’re writing this because we live here, too. We watch the skies, refresh the weather apps, and check the cones just like you. We know that real preparedness starts with curiosity, community, and communication.

So if you’re keeping an eye on the water this July, you’re not alone. There’s a lot to look at this season—and staying aware is one of the smartest things you can do.

Storms don’t wait for you to catch up. But staying informed helps you meet them with clarity instead of chaos. Watch the horizon, listen to the science, and prepare—not with fear, but with focus.