A Tale of Two Rapidly Intensifying Supertyphoons: Hagibis (2019) and Haiyan (2013)

Abstract Devastating Japan in October 2019, Supertyphoon (STY) Hagibis was an important typhoon the history of Pacific. A striking feature its explosive rapid intensification (RI). In 24 h, intensified by 100 knots (kt; 1 kt ? 0.51 m s ?1 ), making it one fastest-intensifying typhoons ever observed. After RI, Hagibis’s stalled. Using current intensity record holder, i.e., STY Haiyan (2013), as a benchmark, this work explores evolution differences these two high-impact STYs. We found that extremely high prestorm sea surface temperature reaching 30.5°C, deep/warm ocean heat content 160 kJ cm ?2 , fast forward storm motion ?8 small during-storm cooling effect ?0.5°C, significant thunderstorm activity at center, and eyewall contraction were all contributors to impressive intensification. There 36% more air–sea flux for RI than Haiyan’s. spectacular stopped, despite favorable environments. Haiyan, contrast, continued intensify, record-breaking 170 kt. key finding here is multiple pathways size affected both typhoons. experienced major expansion, becoming largest on This enlargement, combined with reduction translational speed, induced stronger reduced hindered The large also contributed slower replacement cycles (ERCs), which prolonged negative impact ERC