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Forecasters at Colorado State University have slightly decreased their 2025 Atlantic hurricane forecast in an update released Wednesday.
The team, led by Dr. Philip Klotzbach, now calls for 16 named storms, down from 17. That amount includes the three named storms already seen this season: Andrea, Barry and Chantal.
The number of hurricanes forecast has lowered to 8 from 9, with 3 rather than 4 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher).
MORE: Colorado State University 2025 Hurricane Outlook July Update
"The primary reason for the slight decrease in the outlook is both observed and predicted high levels of Caribbean shear," said the CSU team. "High levels of Caribbean shear in June/July are typically associated with less active hurricane seasons."
They also call for a "slightly above-average" chance of a major hurricane landfall somewhere along the continental U.S. coastline and in the Caribbean. For the Gulf Coast specifically, including Louisiana, that probability sits at 31 percent, compared to the average of 27 percent.
"As with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season. Thorough preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity," said forecasters.
CSU will issue one more updated outlook in August. The hurricane season ends November 30.