Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southern Jamaica on the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, local time, according to forecasts and updates from the U.S. National Hurricane Center and major news outlets. Earlier projections in late October 2025 had already indicated a Jamaica landfall early that week, with Melissa strengthening into a major hurricane as it approached.

Quick Scoop

  • Expected landfall window (forecast time): Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, in Jamaica.
  • Location: Southern coast of Jamaica, with the eyewall bringing the most extreme conditions.
  • Intensity near landfall: Forecast and real-time updates described Melissa as a Category 4–5 hurricane, with “extreme” or “catastrophic” winds and flooding.

What actually happened

Reports and real-time bulletins on October 28, 2025, described extreme winds impacting southern Jamaica as landfall began or was imminent, confirming the forecast timing. Meteorological discussions noted that the storm slowed and rapidly intensified over the western Caribbean before crossing Jamaica, then moving toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas later in the week.

Why the timing mattered

  • A rare unscheduled update was issued by forecasters to warn that landfall and eyewall conditions were starting earlier than the next regular advisory, emphasizing last-minute safety actions.
  • Emergency messaging highlighted life‑threatening storm surge, catastrophic rainfall totals up to around 1,000 mm (about 40 inches), and landslide risk, especially in southern Jamaica and nearby high terrain.

Forum and trending discussion

Online weather and climate communities closely followed Hurricane Melissa’s approach to Jamaica in late October 2025, often focusing on:

  • The storm’s unusual intensity and rapid strengthening, which many described as terrifying or historic for the region.
  • Model guidance and ensemble forecasts projecting a high likelihood of a catastrophic Category 5 landfall scenario, including detailed discussion of track shifts and eyewall structure.

Important safety note

If a future storm named Melissa (or any other cyclone) is active, landfall timing and location can change rapidly as new advisories are issued. Official guidance from national meteorological and emergency agencies should always override older forecasts and informal forum discussions.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.