PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Hurricane Melissa is a strong Category 5 hurricane as of Monday evening. It will likely end up as the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica.

How did the storm get so strong? There are many factors involved, but one ingredient is the warm ocean water fueling the storm.

Warm ocean waters act as fuel for tropical storms and hurricanes, and this type of fuel is plentiful in the area where Melissa is churning.

How warm are the waters in the Caribbean? As of mid-day on Monday, a buoy offshore from Jamaica recorded a water temperature of 85°F. That’s warm!

One remarkable thing about that temperature is that Melissa has already passed through this area. Normally, you might see more of a cool-down because, as storms pass over water, they often create upwelling, w

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