17 Million Brace for Life-Threatening Conditions as 2025’s First Hurricane Forms

Hurricane Barbara, Tropical Storm Cosme Activate Pacific as Atlantic Remains Calm

Meteorologists announced Hurricane Barbara as the first hurricane of the 2025 Pacific season on Monday, with sustained winds reaching 75 mph. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Cosme formed nearby, signaling an unusually active start to the region’s hurricane season.

Barbara’s Path and Threats
Located 155 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, Barbara is moving northwest at 10 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of life-threatening surf, rip currents, and up to four inches of rain for coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco. Flooding and mudslides are possible in these regions.

Tropical Storm Cosme Nears Hurricane Strength
Cosme, forming Sunday, has winds of 65 mph—just shy of hurricane status. Forecasters predict it may strengthen slightly before accelerating northeast midweek. While neither storm is expected to make landfall, swells from Barbara will batter Mexico’s coastline.

A Faster-Than-Usual Pacific Season
This year’s Pacific activity contrasts sharply with 2024, when the first storm didn’t form until July. Historically, the second and third named storms develop weeks later. “This is a much faster start than last year’s slow season,” said AccuWeather’s Alex DaSilva.

Atlantic’s Unusual Calm
While the Pacific churns, the Atlantic remains quiet, delayed by a massive Saharan dust plume. This haze cools ocean temperatures and creates dry air—conditions hostile to hurricanes. Despite this, NOAA predicts an “above-average” Atlantic season with up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and 5 major hurricanes.

Officials Urge Preparedness
NOAA’s Ken Graham stressed vigilance: “Every Category 5 hurricane was once a tropical storm. Prepare early—stock essentials like water and gas.” The agency’s 2024 forecasts proved accurate, and they anticipate similar precision this year.

AccuWeather warns six major hurricanes could hit the U.S. in 2025, mirroring 2024’s devastating $500 billion in damage. Last year’s deadliest storms, Helene and Milton, contributed to 400 fatalities—the highest toll since 2005.

As Barbara and Cosme drift farther from land, Mexico braces for residual impacts while the Atlantic watches for its first disturbance.

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