Hurricane Simon: A Major Natural Event
On October 11, 2026, Hurricane Simon intensified to a Category 4 storm as it neared Mexico's Pacific shoreline. This powerful hurricane brought with it intense winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, while also generating atmospheric gravity waves that were captured by NASA and NOAA satellites.
When the hurricane was about 50 kilometers offshore between the cities of Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, wind speeds peaked at 250 kilometers per hour. At approximately 2:30 PM local time (20:30 UTC), NASA’s Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Simon’s eye, during which the National Hurricane Center (NHC) recorded winds of around 210 kilometers per hour.
Impact and Atmospheric Phenomena
The storm caused widespread flooding in the port city of Manzanillo and heavy rains that heightened the danger of landslides in mountainous regions. The Sierra Madre mountain range partially absorbed the hurricane’s energy, limiting its spread inland. Early on October 11, Simon also triggered atmospheric gravity waves in the upper atmosphere. These waves, formed by convective activity near the hurricane’s eye where latent heat is released and warm moist air rises, were observed in a nighttime image from the NOAA-21 satellite.
Detecting atmospheric gravity waves from orbit is uncommon due to the interference of high-altitude winds and moonlight. The VIIRS instrument recorded the nighttime glow of atmospheric gases and the colorful patterns created by the hurricane, highlighting the storm’s intensity. Meteorologists continue to monitor Hurricane Simon closely, given its potential to cause significant regional impacts.
This hurricane ranks among the strongest observed in the Pacific Ocean in recent years, with flooding and landslides posing serious socio-economic risks to the affected areas. Scientists are analyzing ongoing data to better understand how storms of this magnitude influence the environment and climate, and to enhance early warning systems for future events.