Atlantic Hurricane Season Concludes with Climate and Political Challenges in 2023
January 8, 2026
The Atlantic hurricane season wrapped up on November 30th, marked by significant climate and political turbulence. The season was notable for its tumultuous events, including federal agency skirmishes and extreme weather phenomena that tested the resilience of NOAA and other agencies.
A Season of Contrasts and Intensity
This year witnessed a series of powerful storms, yet mathematically, the number of storms was average: 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Remarkably, three of these reached Category 5 status—the second highest on record for a single season. Overall, it was a season characterized by sudden bursts of intense activity after a relatively subdued start.
No Landfalls in the US—A Temporary Relief
For the first time in ten years, no hurricanes made landfall in the United States, offering a rare reprieve to Americans. NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs called this respite "a much-needed break," acknowledging the season's unpredictable nature.
Climate Change Fuels Intensity
Warmer ocean waters provided additional heat energy, fueling hurricanes to grow rapidly and reach more destructive levels. Bernadette Woods Placky of Climate Central highlighted that storms experienced "extreme rapid intensification," a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change. This trend led to devastating impacts globally, even without US landfalls.
Devastation Beyond Borders
Hurricane Melissa in October struck Jamaica with extraordinary force, with wind gusts reaching 252 mph—just 1 mph shy of the world record. The storm caused at least 45 deaths in Jamaica and extensive destruction across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, with climate change being a contributing factor.
In September, Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda caused significant coastal erosion in North Carolina, even without landfall. Additionally, Hurricane Erin's Category 5 strength led to widespread erosion along the US East Coast, from Massachusetts to North Carolina.
Challenges in Forecasting and Agency Operations
Throughout the season, NOAA and NWS faced staffing shortages, partly due to internal downsizing and external political factors. The DOGE storm led NOAA to reduce staffing levels, and by August, plans were announced to refill many of these roles. The ongoing government shutdown beginning in October further hampered operations, forcing federal forecasters and hurricane hunters to work without pay for 43 days.
Looking Ahead
The 2023 hurricane season is set to resume in June 2024, though recent early storms have prompted the World Meteorological Organization to consider starting the season as early as May. As climate change continues to influence storm severity, the upcoming season promises to be as challenging as ever.
Follow topics and authors from this story for more updates and personalized news feeds.