Hurricane Beryl, a Category 3 monster that could intensify to Category 4, is expected to slam the Lesser Antilles islands with potential “life-threatening” impact.

There is no precedent for a storm to intensify this quickly, nor reach this strength, in this part of the ocean during the month of June. Records date to 1851.

While flukes happen, there is a firm link between rapid intensification (the strengthening of hurricanes) and human-induced climate change. Ocean waters are running 3 or 4 degrees above average, reminiscent of August rather than June. In some cases, records are being set. It’s unsurprising that the atmosphere is responding accordingly.

  • @Treczoks
    6•6 months ago

    The big question is: Will this thing die off in Yucatán, or march right across it, power up again, and hit Mexico? Like hurricane “Lee” did in 2023. How is the water temperature in the gulf at the moment?