Superstorm Melissa - a sign of extreme weather caused by climate change

Record-low pressure storm Melissa has become the strongest global storm of 2025, raising concerns about extreme weather caused by climate change.

Hurricane Melissa became one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, with record winds and low pressure prompting scientists to warn of a trend of extreme weather due to climate change.

Melissa reached Category 5 – the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, with sustained winds of up to 305 km/h. The storm's central pressure dropped to just 882 hPa, making it one of the lowest-pressure storms ever recorded in the Atlantic.

Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 strength as it approached the coast of Jamaica on October 28. (Source: NOAA)

The wind speed of typhoon Melissa surpasses even the strongest storms in the Pacific Ocean so far in 2025, such as Ragasa (260 km/h) or Wipha (120 km/h), making it the strongest storm globally in 2025.

Melissa intensified extremely quickly in just 24 hours, a phenomenon that has become increasingly common in recent years. Meteorologists call this “rapid intensification” and warn that it is happening more often due to rising sea temperatures.

Experts say unusually high sea surface temperatures in the region where Hurricane Melissa formed are a major factor in making it so powerful. Warm seas fuel storms, and as global temperatures rise, storms tend to become stronger and more dangerous.

Although Melissa did not make landfall, it brought high waves, strong winds and heavy rain to many coastal areas. Authorities evacuated thousands of people and issued flood warnings in many US states and the Caribbean.

Melissa is being closely watched by climate and weather researchers because it provides important data on future storm trends. Many experts say it is a clear sign that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate extremes.

Mr. Quang

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/super-storm-melissa-signs-of-the-weather-of-the-season-of-emergency-ar983856.html