"Rethinking Hurricane Classifications: The Case for Category 6"

Scientists are considering adding a "Category 6" designation for the most powerful hurricanes and typhoons as climate change makes them more common. The current five-point Saffir-Simpson scale, used since the 1970s, may need updating to reflect the increasing intensity of storms. Researchers propose that Category 5 should include hurricanes with wind speeds of 157 to 192 miles per hour, with a new Category 6 for storms above 192 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center has not yet weighed in on this proposal, but has made other updates to hurricane forecasts in response to climate change.