Its convective pattern evolved into a central dense overcast.[16] At 12:15 UTC on August 25, the NHC upgraded Laura to hurricane status, based on reports from the Hurricane Hunters.[17] Later that day, the convection in the center began wrapping into a cloud-filled eye.[18] On August 26, the hurricane's deep convection organized and became more symmetric, as the eye became clear and well-defined.[19] At 12:00 UTC that day, Laura intensified into a major hurricane before reaching Category 4 strength just six hours later.[20]