Hurricane Erin has undergone a period of astonishingly rapid intensification — a phenomenon that has become far more common in recent years as the planet warms. It was a rare Category 5 on Saturday before weakening,

Erin is the first hurricane to develop over the Atlantic this year, and meteorologists are closely tracking its path and forecast.

Hurricane Erin is forecast to continue growing in size, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 50 miles from its center.

Behind these storms, much cooler air arrives, and we begin the week with highs only in the mid-70s. It will be cloudy with scattered showers on Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday, some sun returns with isolated thunderstorms and highs near 80.

The system is moving in the same direction and similar path to Erin, heading westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 miles per hour.

Hurricane Erin has surged to Category 4 storm status and could bring dangerous surf and rip currents to the Jersey Shore next week as it remains far out to see.