Cyclone Horacio Becomes First Category 5 Storm of 2026 in Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Horacio has rapidly intensified into the world's first Category 5 storm of 2026 over the southern Indian Ocean, reaching sustained winds of around 260 km/h and extremely low central pressure. This rapid intensification, driven by warm sea temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions, marks it as the strongest cyclone globally this year. Despite its strength, Horacio remains far from the Indian coastline and currently poses no direct threat to India, though its development highlights concerns about increasingly intense storms.