In a historic turn for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, three Category 5 hurricanes, including Hurricane Melissa, have emerged, raising concerns about intensified tropical cyclones in the Caribbean.
- Hurricane Melissa, with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching Category 5, formed on October 27, south of Jamaica, marking a significant event in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Hurricanes Erin and Humberto had already achieved Category 5 status earlier in the season, on August 16 and September 27 respectively, indicating an unusual frequency of intense storms.
- The National Hurricane Center has noted that this is the first instance of three Category 5 hurricanes developing in the Atlantic Ocean in the past 20 years, highlighting concerning climate trends.
Why It Matters
The occurrence of three Category 5 hurricanes in one season underscores the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones due to climate change. This trend poses significant risks to coastal communities in the Caribbean and beyond, necessitating urgent attention to disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.