The Atlantic hurricane season has introduced an intriguing development with the simultaneous presence of Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto. These two storm systems are currently navigating open waters and could potentially get close enough to trigger the rare Fujiwhara Effect. According to Cuba's Meteorological Institute, this phenomenon, although uncommon in the Atlantic, is documented in the Pacific where it has led to dramatic interactions between cyclones.
First described in 1921 by Japanese meteorologist Sakuhei Fujiwhara, this effect occurs when two storms are within 1,200 to 1,400 kilometers of each other. They begin to rotate around a mutual point, altering their paths and even their strength. In extreme cases, the stronger hurricane can absorb the weaker one, or the two might merge into a larger system. Although this scenario is rare, it has captured significant attention recently.
Cuban meteorologist Raydel Ruisánchez noted on Facebook that in the western Atlantic, the centers of Humberto and Imelda are about 758 kilometers apart. As Humberto weakens, Imelda is gaining strength and may impact Bermuda in the coming days. In Cuba, these systems are indirectly maintaining atmospheric moisture, leading to scattered rains from Matanzas to Guantánamo and the Isle of Youth.
Meanwhile, CNN pointed out that when two hurricanes interact in this manner, forecasting becomes highly complex. Back in 2017, Hurricanes Hilary and Irwin experienced this phenomenon in the eastern Pacific, eventually weakening after days of orbiting each other. Similarly, in 2022, Typhoon Hinnamnor absorbed a weaker tropical depression in the western Pacific.
Current models suggest that Imelda and Humberto could be close enough for the Fujiwhara Effect to occur, but experts caution that uncertainty remains. Minor changes in either storm's intensity or projected path could prevent the interaction. For now, the focus is on Imelda's progression, as it is expected to strengthen in the coming days, while Humberto continues to lose organization.
Experts agree that monitoring forecasts closely next week will be crucial to determine whether the Atlantic will witness this rare "hurricane dance." As of Tuesday, Tropical Storm Imelda has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, battering the western Atlantic and directly affecting the eastern coast of the United States, the Bahamas, and the Bermuda archipelago, where a more severe impact is anticipated. Although its center remains offshore, the hurricane has already caused significant damage in several areas and poses an increasing threat to the North Atlantic islands.
Understanding the Fujiwhara Effect on Hurricane Dynamics
What is the Fujiwhara Effect?
The Fujiwhara Effect is a meteorological phenomenon occurring when two cyclones orbit around a common center, potentially altering their paths and intensities. It is named after Japanese meteorologist Sakuhei Fujiwhara, who described it in 1921.
How close must storms be for the Fujiwhara Effect to occur?
For the Fujiwhara Effect to take place, two storms need to be within approximately 1,200 to 1,400 kilometers of each other. At this proximity, they can start to rotate around a mutual point.
What are the potential outcomes of the Fujiwhara Effect?
The outcomes can vary; the stronger hurricane might absorb the weaker one, or they could merge into a larger system. Alternatively, their paths and intensities may only be altered without merging.