Hurricane Beryl: ‘Perfect conditions’ for early arrival

Dr Helen Hooker comments on Hurricane Beryl which is set to hit the Caribbean. 

Dr Helen Hooker, hurricane expert at the University of Reading, said: "It’s not a surprise to see Beryl become the earliest ever recorded category 4 hurricane, and the first in June. Our oceans absorb the extra heat trapped in our atmosphere due to global warming and have recorded record temperatures for over a year. Climate change and El Nino have warmed the tropical Atlantic by 3 to 4 Celsius, creating perfect conditions for early and rapid intensification of hurricanes. Beryl strengthened incredibly quickly from a tropical depression in just 48 hours. We might occasionally see this in October, but never before so early in the hurricane season. This is likely to be a long and active hurricane season with a 60% chance of hurricane Debby forming in the next 7 days.  

“Beryl is expected to bring damaging winds, a life-threatening storm surge and flooding. Currently impacting the windward Caribbean islands before heading towards Mexico later this week. Residents should follow local advice and keep up to date with the latest forecast from hurricanes.gov."