Hurricane help: Atlantic hurricane season maps explained

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 3:53 pm

Decoding Hurricane Season: Your Guide to Staying Safe

As the Atlantic hurricane season kicks off on June 1st, it's crucial to understand the information provided by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to stay informed and prepared. FOX Weather is breaking down the NHC's tropical weather outlooks, offering a clearer picture of potential threats.

The NHC issues these outlooks multiple times daily, at 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. EDT (adjusting for standard time in November). These updates monitor areas of interest in both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins, where hurricane season begins May 15th. The outlook maps highlight active storms and areas with potential for development, often referred to as "disturbances."

These maps use color-coding to indicate the likelihood of a disturbance developing into a tropical depression, storm, or hurricane. A "low" chance of development is less than 40%, "medium" is 40-60%, and "high" is over 60%. The NHC also uses the term "invest" to identify areas being investigated for potential development within the next seven days. These "invests" are assigned numbers (90-99) with suffixes indicating the basin (L for Atlantic, E for Eastern Pacific, C for Central Pacific). The maps provide details like wind speeds, central pressure, and development chances.

Understanding these tools is key to preparing for potential storms. The maps provide a broad overview, allowing you to monitor areas of concern and stay ahead of the curve. Remember, the information is updated regularly, so checking the NHC and FOX Weather resources is essential throughout the season.

BNN's Perspective: While the science of predicting and tracking hurricanes has advanced significantly, it's important to remember that these are forecasts, not guarantees. Staying informed and prepared is the best approach, but avoid unnecessary panic. Rely on official sources and heed the advice of local authorities.

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