NOAA Hurricane Tracker Forecast: Could Tropical Storm Humberto Become a Major Hurricane in 2025? Latest Updates, Track, and Possible Fujiwhara Effect

Tropical Storm Humberto has quickly become the center of attention in the Atlantic basin as meteorologists warn of its strengthening potential. With forecasts hinting at a possible transition into a major hurricane, the system is being closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and NOAA hurricane experts. Alongside Humberto, another tropical disturbance, expected to become Tropical Storm Imelda, raises the risk of a rare Fujiwhara effect that could complicate predictions for the days ahead.
Humberto’s Current Position and NOAA Hurricane Tracker Forecast
According to the latest NOAA Hurricane Tracker Forecast: Could Tropical Storm Humberto Become a Major Hurricane in 2025?, the storm was located in the central Atlantic, positioned east-northeast of the Leeward Islands. It is currently moving northwestward over warm waters, an environment that supports intensification.
The NHC highlights several factors fueling Humberto’s development:
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Warm sea surface temperatures above seasonal averages
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Ample atmospheric moisture supporting storm structure
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Weak vertical wind shear allowing circulation to organize
Tropical Storm Humberto Track and Projected Path
Forecast models show consistency in Humberto’s path as it drifts further into the open Atlantic. Most projections suggest that the storm will not make direct U.S. landfall. However, large swells, rip currents, and increased surf could impact island nations and possibly the East Coast.
The table below outlines the latest Humberto forecast progression:
Date | Forecast Position | Expected Intensity | Potential Impacts |
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Sept 25 | Central Atlantic, east of Leeward Islands | Tropical Storm | Increased swells offshore |
Sept 26 | Moving northwestward | Category 1 Hurricane | Strengthening begins |
Sept 28 | Atlantic open waters | Category 3 Major Hurricane (possible) | High surf, stronger winds near Bermuda |
NOAA Hurricane Season 2025 Forecast and Context
The NOAA hurricane season 2025 forecast predicted an above-normal season with 13 to 19 named storms and at least 3 to 5 major hurricanes. While the season began slower than expected, Humberto’s development could mark a turning point.
If Humberto achieves Category 3 strength, it would join a limited list of storms this season to reach major hurricane status. Meteorologists point out that favorable atmospheric conditions remain in place across the Atlantic basin, potentially supporting additional storm formation in the coming weeks.
Fujiwhara Effect Hurricanes: Interaction Between Humberto and Imelda
One of the most intriguing elements of this forecast is the possible interaction between Humberto and the system near the Caribbean, which is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda. This raises the question of the Fujiwhara effect hurricanes, a rare meteorological phenomenon where two nearby cyclones rotate around each other.
Possible outcomes of the Fujiwhara effect include:
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Deflection of storm tracks away from expected paths
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Intensification or weakening of one storm at the expense of the other
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Increased uncertainty for coastal impacts along the U.S. Southeast
Although current models suggest a modest chance of full interaction, the possibility cannot be dismissed. The NHC continues to monitor both systems closely.
Hurricane Imelda 2025: Potential U.S. Southeast Threat
While Humberto intensifies in the Atlantic, attention also shifts to Hurricane Imelda 2025, which may form from Invest 94L near the Bahamas and Caribbean. Forecasts indicate that this system could approach the Southeast U.S., particularly from Georgia to the Carolinas.
Key points about Imelda’s potential impacts:
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Early models suggest possible tropical storm-force winds along the coast
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The system could bring heavy rainfall and localized flooding
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Exact landfall risk remains uncertain pending further development
Atlantic Hurricane Season Projections and Rising Concerns
The broader Atlantic hurricane season projections point to a late-season increase in activity. While the early part of 2025 saw fewer named storms, September has brought renewed intensity. Both Humberto and Imelda highlight the unpredictability of the season, reinforcing the importance of preparedness across coastal regions.
Communities from the Caribbean to the U.S. East Coast are urged to monitor advisories as these systems evolve. The interplay between Humberto’s offshore track and Imelda’s possible coastal influence could define the peak of this year’s hurricane season.
NHC Humberto Advisory and What to Watch Next
The latest NHC Humberto advisory confirms the storm’s strengthening trend and projects hurricane status within the next 24 hours. Bermuda may experience enhanced surf and gusty winds depending on Humberto’s final trajectory.
Residents along the East Coast are not in the direct line of the storm as of current forecasts, but authorities emphasize the need to remain alert due to possible track changes. With Imelda forming nearby, the coming week could bring rapidly shifting forecasts that demand attention from emergency planners and the public alike.