Weather Tidbits: Rapid Intensification

We’ll be discussing rapid intensification of tropical cyclones in this edition of Weather Tidbits. Rapid intensification refers to the quick strengthening of a tropical cyclone. Specifically, it’s when there is at least a 35 mph increase in the wind over a 24 hour period. During rapid intensification, a tropical cyclone can strengthen by categories in less than a day. In the most extreme of cases, by 4 to 5 categories in the span of 6 to 12 hours. Forecasting rapid intensification can be difficult since conditions need to be nearly perfect. The three key ingredients needed are warm sea surface temperatures 80-85 degrees or more, low wind shear, and an abundance of moisture. A dent in one of these conditions will slow down or interrupt the process.