Hurricane Beryl’s Barometric Pressure: A Look at the Storm’s Intensity

Hurricane Beryl, the third named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, made its way across the eastern Atlantic Ocean in July, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. One of the key factors that determines the intensity of a hurricane is its barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure or the atmospheric pressure at sea level. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Hurricane Beryl’s barometric pressure and what it means for the storm’s overall intensity.

What is Barometric Pressure?

Barometric pressure is the measure of the weight of the air in the atmosphere, measured in units of millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg). In a normal atmosphere, the pressure at sea level is approximately 1013 millibars (mb) or 30 inches of mercury (inHg). As you move higher up in the atmosphere, the pressure decreases.

Hurricane Beryl’s Barometric Pressure

According to data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Beryl’s barometric pressure reached a minimum of 997 millibars (mb) on July 16, 2020, making it a category 1 hurricane. As the storm intensified, its barometric pressure continued to drop, reaching a minimum of 985 millibars (mb) on July 18, 2020, making it a category 4 hurricane.

Impact on the Storm’s Intensity

A lower barometric pressure typically indicates a more intense storm. In the case of Hurricane Beryl, the rapid drop in barometric pressure was a sign of the storm’s strengthening. As the pressure dropped, the storm’s winds increased, and the rainfall became heavier. This is because a lower barometric pressure allows for more moisture to enter the storm system, leading to stronger updrafts and more intense thunderstorms.

Comparison to Other Hurricanes

To put Hurricane Beryl’s barometric pressure into perspective, let’s compare it to other notable hurricanes. Hurricane Irma, which struck the Caribbean and Florida in 2017, had a minimum barometric pressure of 914 millibars (mb). Hurricane Harvey, which caused catastrophic flooding in Texas in 2017, had a minimum barometric pressure of 938 millibars (mb). In comparison, Hurricane Beryl’s minimum barometric pressure was significantly higher, indicating a less intense storm.

Conclusion

Hurricane Beryl’s barometric pressure was a key factor in determining the storm’s intensity. The rapid drop in pressure was a sign of the storm’s strengthening, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds. While Hurricane Beryl was not as intense as some other notable hurricanes, its barometric pressure still played a crucial role in shaping the storm’s behavior. By understanding the relationship between barometric pressure and hurricane intensity, we can better prepare for and respond to these powerful storms.