Number of named storms globally 1980-2023

In 2023, there were 78 named storms registered worldwide, down from 87 storms in the previous year. Overall, there was an average of 87 named tropical cyclones registered per year from 1980 to 2023. Japan was the country most exposed to this type of event worldwide.

What is a tropical cyclone?

Tropical cyclones are intense rotating storms that form over warm tropical waters, characterized by heavy rain and strong winds. Once a cyclone sustains wind speeds exceeding 63 kilometers per hour, they are considered a tropical storm and receive a name. Named tropical storms can also receive further classification depending on their intensity and location (also known as basin). High-speed cyclones in the Northern Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins are called hurricanes, while in the Western Pacific they are called typhoons. When the event takes place within the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, it is known as a cyclone.

Frequency of tropical cyclones worldwide

The Northwest Pacific basin is one of the most active for tropical cyclones worldwide. In 2023, there were 16 named storms reported in the region, of which more than half were classified as hurricanes. Meanwhile, the North Indian Ocean represented one of the least active basins for tropical cyclones, with an annual average of five named storms recorded from 1990 to 2023.