Timothy Logan, an associate professor of atmospheric science at Texas A&M University, said hurricanes can sometimes develop despite conditions that appear unfavorable.
"Hurricanes have this tendency to sneak under weather patterns," Logan said.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is a 55% chance the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be below normal. Forecasters predict between 8 and 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 strengthening into hurricanes.
Named storms have sustained winds of at least 39 mph, while hurricanes have sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.
Logan said warm Gulf waters could support storm development, but other atmospheric conditions may limit hurricane formation.
"The wind patterns might actually hurt development, which is what we're expecting. It's called wind shear," Logan said. "The wind at the top of the hurricane doesn't allow those clouds to develop and rotate around and make the hurricane."
Another factor that could suppress activity is dust blowing westward from the Sahara Desert.
"What that usually translates to is much stronger winds that will hurt hurricane development in the Gulf and Atlantic regions," Logan said.
Even with forecasts calling for fewer storms, Logan said residents should remain weather-aware throughout the season.
"There's no guarantee anything's going to come over top of your house, but just be as weather aware as possible," he said.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.