They’re Tracking Hurricanes Earlier
Scientists and meteorologists aren’t able to exactly predict the intensity of hurricanes. They might be predicting less intensity than they’re seeing. Meteorologist Jason Dunion, director of NOAA’s Hurricane Field Program, said, “I think it was pretty clear to me and other forecasters that we would see rapid intensification—that 35 mph in one day. But it was much faster than that.”
They’re looking to collect more data from the hurricane ahead of time to make even better hurricane predictions to see if rapid intensification will occur. For example, with 2018’s Hurricane Michael, “A 2020 study found that satellite data and readings from buoys in the Gulf of Mexico, for example, showed a marine heatwave was underway during its approach. Similar data could warn meteorologists in the future that an incoming hurricane is about to intensify.” With proper predictions, scientists could save more lives (National Geographic).