Hurricane Helene has undergone rapid intensification for the second time, with its top-end winds increasing by 45 mph in the past 24 hours. Rapid intensification, defined as a system's maximum winds increasing by 35 mph or more in 24 hours or less, has been a notable feature of Helene's recent development.
The first instance of rapid intensification occurred from Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning, propelling Helene from a low-end tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane. Subsequently, in less than 36 hours, Helene further strengthened from a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday morning to a powerful Category 4 hurricane by Thursday evening.
The driving force behind Helene's rapid intensifications has been the exceptionally warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As the world experiences warming trends due to fossil fuel pollution, hurricanes like Helene are more likely to intensify rapidly when fueled by abnormally warm ocean temperatures.
These developments serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between climate change and extreme weather events, underscoring the need for continued research and preparedness in the face of such phenomena.
