Polo went from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in less than 24 hours: this is how the scale works that could take it to level 5

Hurricane Polo has rapidly intensified in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico, escalating from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in less than 24 hours. As of late Monday, the storm recorded maximum sustained winds of 215 km/h (130 mph). While the system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to southwestern Mexico, current forecasts suggest it will remain offshore.

Meteorological agencies are monitoring the storm's potential for further intensification. Forecasts from the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional indicate that the hurricane could reach Category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale, as it continues its trajectory.