© NASA
On Sept. 28, Matthew developed from an area of low pressure as it approached the Windward Islands. It was a very fast-moving system early in its formation, and it steered rapidly westward by high pressure to its north. In the first few days of its life, that speed inhibited intensification, but as soon as it slowed, Matthew began to strengthen.
Matthew reached hurricane intensity Sept. 29, and since then has been breaking records. Below are some of the milestones that Matthew has achieved so far:
- Hurricane Matthew underwent a remarkable rapid intensification of 80 mph in 24 hours, intensifying from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 5 hurricane. This was the third-strongest rapid intensification in a 24-hour period for any Atlantic hurricane on record, trailing only Hurricane Wilma (2005) and Hurricane Felix (2007).
- It also became the first Atlantic-basin Category 5 hurricane since Felix (2007). Matthew is the 31st Atlantic-basin Category 5 hurricane on record.
Comment: Defying historical norms, Hurricane Matthew also developed in a high-intensity wind shear environment facing headwinds of 30MPH and formed below the 15 degree north latitude marker - an area traditionally too close to the equator to allow the requisite spin for tropical formation and development. See: Unusual Atlantic storm: Matthew may hit US as Category 5 Hurricane next week
Meanwhile in the Pacific, Typhoon Chaba has just set new records in South Korea.