Researchers Explore Adding a Category 6 for Hurricanes

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Hurricanes are currently rated on a scale from one to five based on their wind speeds, known as the Saffir-Simpson scale. However, due to the increasing frequency of powerful storms caused by climate change, researchers are suggesting the addition of a sixth category for hurricanes, according to a new paper published by leading hurricane researchers.
According to the Associated Press, a Category 5 hurricane is currently designated for storms with maximum wind speeds of 157 miles per hour or higher. But in recent years, Category 5 storms have become more common, and some have had such high wind speeds that it would make more sense to assign them to a Category 6, according to the researchers.
The National Hurricane Center in Florida, which designates the official category for hurricanes that threaten the United States and its territories, has yet to give their opinion on the potential addition of a Category 6. However, the center has been updating its hurricane forecasts to respond to climate change. These updates include new storm surge forecasting tools and upgrades that allow forecasters to predict the intensity and location of storms earlier, giving people more time to prepare and evacuate.