"Cool Met Stuff": Solo Level-Up – What is "Rapid Intensification"?

28 August 2026

You may have heard that tropical cyclones come in different “strengths”: some are “weak” while others are “strong”. In fact, if several favourable conditions come together at the same time — including higher sea surface temperatures, good upper-level divergence, and weak vertical wind shear — even a weak tropical cyclone can gradually intensify, growing stronger and stronger, and may even undergo “rapid intensification”. So what is “rapid intensification”, and how can it be predicted? In this episode of “Cool Met Stuff”, we invite Phoebe, a member of the Weather Family, to take you on an upgrading journey and unravel the mysteries of rapid tropical cyclone intensification.

The video is now available on the “MyObservatory” mobile application and the Observatory's website for your viewing (programme is broadcasted in Cantonese).

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