 Following an increase in organization, the depression intensified into a tropical storm early on July 22, at which time it was named Gilma. Deep convection developed around the center of circulation throughout the day and banding features became apparent on the west and south sides of the storm. Only 24 hours after becoming a tropical storm, Gilma quickly intensified into a hurricane. Low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, recorded up to 29°C (84°F) by a ship near the hurricane, allowed the storm to undergo rapid intensification. This rate of intensification continued throughout most of July 23, resulting in the system attaining Category 4 status on the Saffir – Simpson Hurricane Scale. By this time, a small, well-defined eye had developed within the center of the hurricane surrounded by very deep convection.
