If you’re looking at the radar today, January 17, 2026, and asking when is Hurricane Melissa going to hit Jamaica, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief—it already happened. But man, "happened" is a massive understatement.
Melissa didn't just pass by; it rewrote the record books for the entire Atlantic basin. Honestly, if you've seen the news lately, you know the island is still very much in the middle of a long, grueling recovery. The storm made landfall months ago, in October 2025, but the impact is so deep that people are still searching for answers as if it’s happening in real-time.
The Day the Skies Fell: October 28, 2025
Let's clear up the timeline. Hurricane Melissa officially slammed into Jamaica’s southern coast on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. It didn't just hit as a "major" hurricane; it was a Category 5 monster.
Specifically, it made landfall between the towns of Belmont and New Hope in Westmoreland Parish around 1:00 p.m. EDT. If you want to talk scary numbers, the winds were sustained at 185 mph. That ties Melissa with the infamous 1935 Labor Day Hurricane and Hurricane Dorian for the highest wind speeds ever recorded for a landfalling Atlantic hurricane.
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It was a "once in a lifetime" event that actually happened. Basically, the island hadn't seen anything like it since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, and even Gilbert’s pressure readings weren't as low as Melissa’s 892 mbar.
Why Everyone is Still Talking About It in 2026
You might wonder why the search for "when is Hurricane Melissa going to hit Jamaica" is still trending months later. It’s because the recovery is just that slow. Right now, in mid-January 2026, there are still over 400 people living in government shelters.
The western parishes, particularly St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, got absolutely pummeled. According to recent reports from ReliefWeb and the Jamaica Information Service, the damage hit $10 billion. That makes it the costliest disaster in the history of the country.
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- Agriculture: Farmers lost everything. Crops that were supposed to be harvested in late 2025 were wiped out by the wind and 20+ inches of rain.
- Infrastructure: Even now, some remote areas are still struggling with consistent power and water.
- Health: There’s been a real concern about leptospirosis in the flood-affected areas. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has been on high alert because of contaminated water sources left behind by the storm surge.
Is it Safe to Visit Jamaica Now?
This is the big question for travelers. If you have a trip booked for early 2026, the short answer is: Yes, but it depends on where you're going.
The main tourism hubs like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston have shown incredible resilience. The airports—Sangster International and Norman Manley—are fully operational. Most of the big resorts have their own backup systems and water supplies, so your vacation might feel completely normal.
However, the "South Coast" is a different story. If you were planning a quiet getaway to Treasure Beach or the more rural parts of Westmoreland, you’ve got to check with your host. Many of those areas are still rebuilding. It's not just about "can you go," it's about whether the local infrastructure can handle visitors while they're still trying to get their own roofs back on.
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What to Watch for in the 2026 Hurricane Season
Since Melissa was the final storm of a very long 2025 season, everyone is looking toward the 2026 dates with a bit of anxiety.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off on June 1, 2026. Experts from Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) released their early forecast back in December, and they’re predicting a "near-normal" year. We’re looking at about 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes.
The name "Melissa" won't be on that list. In fact, because of the sheer level of destruction in Jamaica and Cuba, it’s almost a certainty that the World Meteorological Organization will retire the name. In 2026, the "M" storm will be Marco.
Actionable Steps for Staying Safe and Informed
If you live in the region or are planning to move there, don't wait for the next "Melissa" to start prepping.
- Monitor the NHC: From May 15 onwards, the National Hurricane Center starts issuing daily outlooks. Bookmark their site.
- Verify Travel Insurance: After 2025, many insurers have updated their "Named Storm" clauses. Make sure your policy covers evacuations and "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) if you're traveling between August and October.
- Support Local Recovery: If you're visiting, consider bringing supplies or donating to organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) or UNICEF, who are currently providing cash grants to Jamaican families still displaced by Melissa.
- Download Local Apps: The I Am Able JCPD app and other local government tools are being used right now to distribute aid and provide real-time updates on health risks like the leptospirosis surge.
The bottom line? Hurricane Melissa is a part of history now, but its shadow is long. Jamaica is open for business, but the island is still healing from the strongest storm it has ever faced.