The Global Precipitation (GPM) mission observed Hurricanes Jose and Maria,
providing data to better understand and forecast intense storms.
As Maria developed, the rain pattern became circular and symmetric.
On September 18, Maria began to rapidly intensify.
During intensification, GPM was able to see beneath the clouds, revealing tall storms in the eyewall.
At the time GPM caught Hurricane Jose, the storm structure changed as it interacted with an upper level trough of low pressure.
This caused the air to sink and dry, inhibiting the thunderstorms that fuel the hurricane.