By Belize Live News Staff: As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season opens today, Belizeans are being urged to take the annual warning seriously. The threat of hurricanes and tropical storms looms once more as experts predict an especially active season ahead.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other meteorological agencies are forecasting up to 19 named storms, with at least 6 expected to strengthen into hurricanes. Several of those could escalate into major hurricanes with devastating winds and storm surges.
While many associate hurricanes with the peak months of August to October, forecasters emphasize that dangerous storms can form at any point in the season. The phenomenon of rapid intensification, where storms escalate dramatically within 24 hours, remains a top concern.
Belize’s coastal and low-lying areas are particularly susceptible.
The 2025 list of Atlantic hurricane names includes: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastian, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.
Every household is encouraged to:
Know their evacuation zone.
Stock up on food, water, and medical supplies for at least seven days.
Secure important documents and photographs digitally and in waterproof containers.
Belizeans are urged to monitor local news and official weather bulletins daily. This season is not one to ignore. Preparation today could make the difference between safety and disaster tomorrow.
