Hurricane Milton, set to hit Florida, has people wondering if Category 6 hurricanes should exist. The conversation started because Milton shifted between intense hurricane classifications, with its wind speed reaching 180 mph at one point. Scientists are debating if a new category—Category 6—should be added for wind speeds over 192 mph. Climate change might be making intense hurricanes more common. Some experts don't think adding another category would help, though. Milton wouldn't have made it to a Category 6 anyway, as its top speed was 12 mph below the limit.

Only five storms, four in the Western Pacific and one threatening North America, could have been Category 6 from 1980-2021. Category 5 hurricanes are still quite rare. Only 42 have happened since 1924, with 18 forming after 2003. Climate change is making hurricanes stronger but not necessarily more frequent. Hurricane Milton is moving over Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula before hitting Florida. It might weaken a bit but is still expected to be very dangerous by the time it reaches the state. Just weeks ago, Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding and deaths across the southeastern U.S.

People are also asking: would having a Category 6 help prepare for these storms better? Some say no. Experts say understanding the risks and being prepared is more important than having more categories. It's something to think about as hurricanes keep getting stronger.

Hurricane Milton: Should Category 6 Be Introduced?

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