Hurricane Melissa Reaches Category 5
Hurricane Melissa became the third Category 5 Atlantic hurricane in 2025, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.
It developed from a hurricane on Saturday, Oct. 25, to a Category 4 by Sunday, and then to a Category 5 by Monday morning.
Rapid Intensification Explained
The National Hurricane Center reports that this rapid intensification is the new normal with Atlantic hurricanes.
- Hurricane Erin formed on Aug. 15 and became a Category 5 by the next day.
- Hurricane Gabrielle spun up from a Category 1 to a Category 4 in twelve hours in September.
This rapid intensification is the new normal with Atlantic hurricanes, according to NHC data.
Author's summary: Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensifies to Category 5.