JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hurricane Beryl has shattered records by becoming the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever observed in the Atlantic basin.
As of Monday afternoon, Beryl strengthened to a formidable Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 150 mph, surpassing previous early-season milestones.
Initially striking Carriacou Island, Grenada with devastating force at Category 4 intensity and winds peaking at 140 mph, Beryl has intensified further in the Caribbean Sea. This marks the strongest Atlantic hurricane to achieve such intensity this early in the calendar year, surpassing the previous record-holder, Hurricane Dennis in 2005.
The occurrence of a major hurricane of this magnitude in June is highly unusual for the Lesser Antilles region, underscoring the unprecedented nature of Beryl’s rapid intensification. The last major hurricane to strike during June or July in this part of the world was unprecedented until now.
Meteorological experts attribute Beryl’s early strength to unusually warm ocean temperatures in the region, which are currently at levels typically seen later in the hurricane season.
“The warmer-than-normal ocean heat content in the area is as hot now as it usually is at the height of the season,” Metoerologist Mark Collins said.
Combined with favorable atmospheric conditions expected due to the developing La Niña, these factors create an environment conducive to the rapid formation and intensification of tropical disturbances.
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This early-season storm serves as a stark reminder to residents to prepare emergency kits and evacuation plans now.
Typically, major hurricanes in this part of the Atlantic are not seen until later months, due to slower ocean warming compared to atmospheric heating. However, indications suggest that this year’s hurricane season may be exceptionally active.