On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Tropical Storm Andrea emerged as the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, marking a notable moment in a season that had been quiet for its first three weeks. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Andrea formed roughly 1,100 to 1,205 miles west of the Azores, moving east-northeast at speeds between 15 to 20 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum central pressure around 1014 to 1015 millibars.
Despite its formation, Andrea is expected to be a short-lived tropical storm. Forecasters anticipate weakening to begin by Tuesday night, with the storm dissipating by Wednesday night, June 25, 2025. The NHC emphasized that Andrea poses no threat to any land areas, and no watches or warnings have been issued in connection with the storm. Its tropical-storm-force winds extend approximately 60 miles from its center, but it remains safely over open waters.
The development of Andrea came after a period of uncertainty. Initially tagged as an area of interest on Sunday, June 22, the system seemed to struggle with organization. Early Tuesday morning, June 24, the probability of development within 48 hours and over the next seven days had actually decreased from 70% to 50%. However, later that morning, the system regained strength, prompting the NHC to officially classify it as Tropical Storm Andrea.
Interestingly, Andrea’s formation aligns closely with the average timing for the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically occurs around June 20. This year’s first storm came just four days after that average date, making it the latest start since 2014, when the first tropical depression didn’t form until June 30. For context, from 2015 through 2024, the first tracked system had already formed by June 1, the official start of hurricane season.
While Andrea’s presence marks the beginning of the season’s activity, experts warn that more storms are likely on the horizon. Forecasters at both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) have predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025. CSU forecasts 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), while NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes.
These predictions are fueled by favorable environmental conditions across the Atlantic Ocean, including warm sea surface temperatures and the absence of El Niño in the Pacific, which typically suppresses hurricane development. NOAA’s May 22 outlook specifically cited these factors as drivers for the season’s expected heightened activity.
Despite the promising start for forecasters, the NHC remains cautious about Andrea’s short lifespan. The storm is expected to weaken quickly due to increasingly hostile environmental conditions, such as cooler waters, that will limit its growth. The NHC’s advisory stated, “The intensity forecast holds Andrea at tropical storm strength today, with the system weakening into a post-tropical remnant low by Wednesday morning because of the cold waters and dissipating shortly thereafter.”
For residents of Florida and other coastal areas, the news is reassuring. Andrea poses no threat to Florida or any other landmass. Meteorologists continue to monitor the Atlantic basin closely, especially another area of low pressure off the coast of Central America, which currently holds a 70% chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next week.
As the Atlantic hurricane season runs officially from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between August and September, residents and officials are advised to remain vigilant. The early formation of Andrea, while modest, serves as a reminder that the season is underway and that preparedness is key.
Local weather teams, such as FOX 35’s Storm Tracker and WESH 2’s First Warning Weather team, continue to provide live radar updates and forecasts to keep communities informed. They encourage the public to download weather apps and sign up for alerts to stay ahead of any developing storms.
In sum, Tropical Storm Andrea’s formation is a clear signal that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway. Though Andrea itself will soon dissipate without impacting land, the season’s outlook remains active and potentially intense. With expert forecasts pointing to above-average storm activity, it’s a year that coastal residents and meteorologists alike will watch closely.
