Atlantic Sees Decline in Moderate Hurricanes Amid Rising Extremes
• The proportion of moderate hurricanes (categories 1 to 3) in the Atlantic has decreased from 45% (1970-1999) to 33% (2000-2025).
• The 2025 hurricane season saw a dominance of weaker tropical storms and stronger category 4 and 5 hurricanes, with only one moderate hurricane.
• Rising ocean temperatures and altered atmospheric conditions are key factors driving the shift towards more extreme hurricane intensities, necessitating improved disaster preparedness and forecasting.
Decrease in moderate, increase in extreme hurricanes
Recent decades have seen a significant change in the Atlantic hurricane season, with a noticeable decrease in moderate hurricanes (categories 1 to 3) and an increase in extreme storms. A recent analysis by the Insurance Journal found that moderate hurricanes accounted for about 45% of all Atlantic hurricanes between 1970 and 1999. However, between 2000 and 2025, this percentage dropped to about 33%.
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