Weather Words: 'Rapid Intensification'

Rapid intensification is defined by the National Hurricane Center as a situation in which a tropical cyclone intensifies dramatically in a short amount of time. The NHC quantifies it as an increase in the maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone of at least 30 knots (35 mph) in 24 hours or less.

According to a study published last October, H​urricanes in the Atlantic basin are now twice as likely as they were 30 years ago to rapidly intensify into major storms packing deadly and devastating damage. The paper pins this increase on warmer ocean waters fueled by global warming.

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