Analyzing the variation in the correlation between the maximum amplitude [ R max ] of the solar cycle and the hemispheric sunspot number [ R H ], since the previous declining phase, is helpful in understanding the temporal evolution of the cycle and the possible different mechanisms at work in the two hemispheres. The correlation coefficient [ r ] between R max and the smoothed monthly mean R H as a function of m = − 50 , − 49 , ... , 50 months from the solar minimum [ R min ] is studied, and it is found that r is maximum about three years before R min at the declining phase, falls to a minimum value around R min , and increases with m during the rising phase in both hemispheres. Based on the highest correlations at the declining phase, the maximum amplitudes of Cycle 25 in the northern [NH] and southern hemisphere [SH] are predicted to be R m a x , N (25) = 85.6 ± 21.9 and R m a x , S (25) = 74.4 ± 17.9 , respectively. Using data at the rising phase, R m a x , N (25) = 84.0 ± 26.7 and R m a x , S (25) = 88.3 ± 16.8 . The average values are R ‾ m a x , N (25) = 84.8 ± 24.3 and R ‾ m a x , S (25) = 81.4 ± 17.4 . According to the weak correlation between the rise time and R max , the peak times of Cycle 25 in the NH and SH are predicted to be November 2023 ± 10 months and July 2024 ± 10 months, respectively. Employing the strong correlation between the amplitude of the total sunspot number [ R m a x , T ] and those of R H in both hemispheres (r = 0.99 ), the amplitude of Cycle 25 is predicted to be R m a x , T (25) = 139.7 ± 28.7 and 152.3 ± 31.5 using data at the declining and rising phases, respectively, with an average value of 146.0 ± 30.1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]