Hurricanes are getting stronger: scientists propose to introduce a new Category 6.

According to ТСН: Climatologists and meteorologists warn of severe consequences of global warming, which is leading to an increase in hurricane strength. They claim that the usual 5-point Saffir-Simpson scale no longer reflects the true destructive power of these storms. Researchers propose officially introducing a new 'Category 6' for hurricanes with winds exceeding 309 km/h, as such storms are becoming more frequent.

When talking about a Category 5 hurricane, one imagines destroyed houses, torn roofs, and complete chaos. This is the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson scale, signaling a significant danger. However, scientists believe it is time to introduce a new, frightening classification — Category 6.

Why the old scale is insufficient

In Ukraine, hurricanes are classified on a scale from 1 to 5, based on the maximum possible sustained wind speed. To enter the elite 'club' of Category 5, a hurricane must have winds of 252 km/h or more. Such storms are considered 'catastrophic' and can render areas uninhabitable for an extended period.

But there is no upper limit in Category 5. This means that a hurricane with a speed of 260 km/h falls into the same category as a monster with a speed of 320 km/h, despite the significant difference in their destructive power. Researchers believe that such storms have gone so far that classifying them merely as 'fives' is misleading.

What is 'Category 6'

Scientists suggest establishing a new threshold. A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that since 2013, at least five hurricanes had wind speeds exceeding 309 km/h. This mark is proposed as the basis for a hypothetical 6th category.

These ideas are not just speculation. Superstorms are becoming increasingly common, and new research indicates an expansion of the areas where such powerful hurricanes form. The largest of these is located in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines, where warm water exists not only at the surface but also at depth, providing storms with a constant supply of energy and preventing them from cooling down. Scientists estimate that 60-70% of this expansion is due to climate change caused by human activities.

Will this solve the problem

In the expert community, opinions are divided. Supporters of the new category, such as Professor I-I Lin, believe that the official recognition of Category 6 will help better plan protective measures and underline the seriousness of the threat. James Kosseff, co-author of the 2024 study, emphasizes that this will raise awareness of the risks of global warming, as the danger of wind storms currently classified as 'Category 5' will continue to grow.

However, there are skeptics. They remind us that wind is not the only danger factor. Professor Jennifer Collins from the University of South Florida emphasizes that people often focus only on the wind category, ignoring the threat of flooding. For example, Hurricane 'Katrina' made landfall as a Category 3 storm, but it was the storm surge that caused catastrophic consequences.

Therefore, perhaps 'Category 6' will not solve all problems with public warnings, but it will serve as an important signal: the climate has changed, and the old rules no longer apply.

Let us remember that California has experienced severe rains that caused massive floods and mudslides.