The National Hurricane Center is updating their products and services for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As we prepare for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, it’s important to stay informed about updates that could impact forecasting and storm communication. Tropical storms can bring dangerous wind, flooding, and power outages from the coast to far inland, as evidenced by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
For 2025, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is rolling out several key changes aimed at improving forecast accuracy and public safety. Here’s what you need to know:
Smaller forecast error cone
The familiar “cone of uncertainty” is getting a slight adjustment. Based on the past five years of forecast performance, the cone size will shrink by about 3–5% for the Atlantic basin in 2025. While this may not seem like a drastic change, it reflects continued improvements in forecasting technology. The smaller cone means increased confidence in projected storm tracks, but remember—hazards like wind, rain, and storm surge can extend well beyond the cone’s boundaries.
Inland watches and warnings added to experimental cone graphic
One of the biggest takeaways from the 2024 season was the need for better communication of inland tropical storm and hurricane risks. In response, the NHC is continuing to test an experimental cone graphic that includes inland watches and warnings. This means that areas far from the coast—like Charlotte—can see their risk of strong winds and severe weather more clearly. A new feature in the legend will also distinguish areas under both a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning, making it easier to understand layered threats.
New national rip current risk map
With rip current fatalities on the rise, the NHC is introducing a national rip current risk map when an active tropical system is present. This map will pull data from local National Weather Service (NWS) offices, giving beachgoers a clearer picture of coastal hazards along the East and Gulf coasts, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and southern California. While it won’t display surf heights, it will show rip current risk levels for the current day, next day, and a combined two-day period, making it easier to plan safer beach visits.
Earlier potential tropical cyclone advisories
Previously, the NHC could only issue Potential Tropical Cyclone (PTC) advisories 48 hours before land-based watches and 36 hours before warnings. Now, advisories can be issued up to 72 hours in advance if there is high confidence that a system will bring storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds to land. This update gives communities more time to prepare—an essential change for both coastal and inland locations.
Extended hurricane-force wind forecasts
For the first time, the NHC will extend its hurricane-force (74+ mph) wind forecasts from two days to three days out. This change provides earlier insight into where the strongest winds may occur. Additionally, the NHC’s forecast products will now display 4-meter sea heights instead of 12-foot waves, aligning with user preferences for wave data in meters.
What this means for Charlotte
While Charlotte is hundreds of miles from the coast, Hurricane Helene was a stark reminder that tropical systems don’t stop at landfall. Strong winds, flooding, and tornadoes can all be serious threats here in the Carolinas. These updates from the NHC will help improve forecast accuracy, enhance communication of inland risks, and provide more lead time for storm preparations.
As we head into the 2025 season, make sure you stay prepared, follow reliable forecasts, and have a plan in place—because even if you don’t live on the coast, a hurricane’s impacts can still reach you
For more information on interpreting the cone graphic, visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov/cone_usage.php
For rip current safety tips, check out: weather.gov
Names for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Dexter has replaced Dorian, which was retired in 2019.
Contact Bekah Birdsall at rbirdsall@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
