SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has officially declared the conclusion of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season this Sunday, November 30th. This year’s climatic period proved notable for its intensity rather than frequency, producing a total of 13 named tropical cyclones. While this figure sits marginally below historical averages, the season distinguished itself through its potent storm development. Five systems achieved hurricane classification, with an exceptional four escalating into major hurricanes—registering Category 3 strength or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
The roster of named storms included Tropical Storms Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Fernand, Jerry, Karen, and Lorenzo. The hurricane cadre was comprised of some of the most powerful systems observed, featuring Category 5 hurricanes Erin, Humberto, and Melissa, alongside Category 4 Hurricane Gabrielle and Category 2 Hurricane Imelda.
Meteorological drivers for the season were initially shaped by neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions in the Central and Eastern Pacific, which later transitioned into a La Niña phase. October emerged as the most active period, witnessing the genesis of four cyclones. This surge was fueled by unusually warm North Atlantic sea surface temperatures, which persisted between 29°C and 30°C, creating ideal conditions for cyclogenesis.
While the Dominican Republic avoided a direct landfall from any hurricane, the nation experienced significant indirect consequences. Hurricane Erin generated powerful and abnormal wave activity along the Atlantic coastline. Subsequently, Hurricane Melissa precipitated extreme rainfall events, triggering severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the southwestern and southeastern provinces. The town of Polo in Barahona province recorded a staggering 192.4 millimeters of rain within a 24-hour period, with Santo Domingo Este receiving 177.9 millimeters during the same event.
Indomet has reaffirmed its dedication to the perpetual surveillance of tropical weather systems and its critical mission of disseminating timely forecasts and warnings to protect public safety and minimize property damage throughout the Caribbean region.