Hurricane Beryl’s rapid growth into an unprecedented early powerful storm showcases the exceptionally warm water in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions, setting the stage for an intense hurricane season ahead, according to experts.
Beryl shattered multiple records even before reaching major hurricane status. The storm’s extraordinary development is attributed to the unusually warm water temperatures, resembling conditions typically seen during the peak of hurricane season in September, as highlighted by five hurricane experts who spoke to The Associated Press.
Beryl made history by becoming the earliest Category 4 hurricane with wind speeds exceeding 130 mph – the first-ever Category 4 storm in June. It also holds the record for the quickest intensification, with wind speeds increasing by 63 mph within 24 hours, transforming from a depression to a Category 4 storm in just 48 hours.
By late Monday, Beryl reached Category 5 status, marking the earliest occurrence of a hurricane of such strength in the Atlantic basin on record, and only the second Category 5 hurricane in July after Hurricane Emily in 2005, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. Category 5 hurricanes have winds exceeding 157 mph.
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Beryl is taking an unprecedentedly southern trajectory, particularly for a major hurricane, as noted by University at Albany atmospheric scientist Kristen Corbosiero.
The storm made landfall on Monday on Carriacou island with winds reaching up to 150 mph, and is expected to traverse through the southeast Caribbean islands. Beryl is projected to maintain its current strength for another day before significantly weakening, based on the latest forecast from late Monday.
“Beryl is exceptionally unusual,” stated Weather Underground co-founder Jeff Masters, a former government hurricane meteorologist who flew into storms. “It deviates so far from climatological expectations that when you see it, you wonder, ‘How did this happen in June?'”
This type of storm is anticipated this year by forecasters, who had predicted a harsh season reminiscent of the record-active 1933 and deadly 2005, which saw hurricanes like Katrina, Rita, Wilma, and Dennis.
“This storm is indicative of what we can expect this year, including these outlier events that occur when and where they normally wouldn’t,” remarked University of Miami tropical weather researcher Brian McNoldy. “It’s not just about storms forming and intensifying, but also about the likelihood of rapid intensification. All these factors are aligning now, and this won’t be the last time.”
Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach described Beryl as “a precursor to potentially more intriguing developments ahead. Beryl is interesting on its own, but it could signal the arrival of more threats and multiple storms like it in the near future.”
The ocean temperature surrounding Beryl is approximately 2 to 3.6 degrees F above average, at 84 degrees, making it ideal conditions for hurricane development, according to Klotzbach.
Warm water serves as the fuel for thunderstorms and cloud formation that are essential for hurricane formation. The warmer the water and atmospheric conditions at the surface, the higher the likelihood of creating powerful thunderstorms that extend into the atmosphere, explained Corbosiero from the University at Albany.
Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Caribbean are higher than the average peak season temperatures for September, as noted by Masters.
Moreover, the ocean heat content in the region is significantly above historical records for this time of year, surpassing what is typically observed during the peak of hurricane season in September, as highlighted by McNoldy.
“When you have that much heat energy, you can expect some significant activity,” added Masters.
This year, there is a noticeable temperature difference between the water surface and upper atmosphere throughout the tropics.
