Strait Talk Ep. 58

Canadian Hurricane Centre Predicts Active Season Ahead, Urges Preparedness

In a recent media briefing, Bob Robichaud, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with the Canadian Hurricane Centre, provided an in-depth outlook on the upcoming hurricane season. He was joined by Samantha Bayard, spokesperson for Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and Megan Kirchmeier Young, a Research Scientist in ECCC’s Climate Research Division.

According to the Canadian Hurricane Centre, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, is expected to be “above average” in terms of tropical storm activity. Forecasters are calling for between 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes—a notable increase over average years.

Robichaud pointed out that while last year was relatively quiet in eastern Canada, especially in the Maritimes, this season could be markedly different. Speaking with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot, Robichaud emphasized that the current forecast applies to the entire Atlantic Basin, which includes much of eastern Canada. When asked specifically about the Strait of Canso region, he noted that localized predictions are still developing, but the elevated storm activity in the basin increases the risk for coastal areas across Atlantic Canada.

The Canadian Hurricane Centre conducts round-the-clock monitoring and forecasting of storm systems throughout the year. Their work includes tracking storm paths, projecting intensities, issuing warnings, and providing guidance to provincial, territorial, and emergency management partners. Their goal is to minimize the impact of tropical storms and hurricanes on Canadian communities.

Robichaud also explained how the Centre uses advanced modeling systems to identify and classify tropical storms, and how their evolving understanding of storm dynamics allows for more precise forecasting. He clarified the difference between tropical cyclones—a broad term encompassing all rotating storm systems over tropical waters—and hurricanes, which are classified by their wind speeds once they reach a certain threshold.

According to ECCC, Canada typically experiences three to four tropical cyclone events per season. Of these, one or two often make landfall, while two to three pose threats to offshore waters. Robichaud noted that hurricanes tend to be more of a concern later in the season, when Atlantic waters reach their peak temperatures and can fuel stronger storms.

Addressing long-term trends, Kirchmeier Young noted that Category 3 to 5 hurricanes—the most intense—have increased in frequency over the past 40 years. With the ongoing effects of climate change, ECCC says it's likely that storm intensity will continue to rise, even if the number of storms doesn’t increase as dramatically. This makes preparedness and early awareness more important than ever.

Robichaud concluded the briefing by encouraging Canadians, particularly those living in coastal or flood-prone regions, to review emergency plans, secure property, and pay close attention to warnings issued during storm season.

“It’s not just about the number of storms,” said Robichaud. “It’s about where they go and how strong they become—and being ready when it matters most.”