Super Typhoon Champi has possibly achieved the maximum theoretical intensity a storm with an inner core as large as hers can reach on Earth.

What Super Typhoon Champi is doing right now is almost unheard of. We have seen many storms in the West Pacific achieve this kind of extreme intensity before, but few have done so with an eye and eyewall as physically massive as Champi’s. At 185 MPH (298 kph), with gusts likely over 215 MPH (345 kph) and a near-buoy confirmed eye pressure of 895 MBAR, this is one of the most ridiculous cyclonic core structures we have ever seen in the satellite era.

It may seem impossible, but another Major Hurricane (yes, actually) is set to form in the East Pacific and threaten the coast of Mexico. What’s concerning about this next storm (whom will be named VANCE) is that he is forming to the south of the cold wakes stirred up by Hurricanes Polo, Rachel, Simon, and Trudy. This could allow for very rapid intensification over untapped waters before a potential recurve into Mexico. Weakening would be likely in any sort of landfall scenario, and it’s still very early to know anything for sure, but this future storm appears to be one that needs to be watched closely.