Two new studies have revealed that human-caused climate change is intensifying Atlantic hurricanes by a full category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Researchers found that from 2019 to 2023, climate change increased the maximum wind speeds of hurricanes by an average of about 30 kilometers per hour. The intensities of hurricanes in 2024 were also boosted by an average of about 29 kph, which significantly raises the risk of wind damage. This trend highlights the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.
Climate scientist Daniel Gilford explains that as the equator heats up due to climate change, nature seeks to redistribute heat to other parts of the world, and hurricanes play a significant role in this process. By developing a new attribution framework, researchers were able to measure the influence of climate change on recent storm wind speeds. By comparing historical sea surface temperature records to computer simulations, they were able to determine how much hurricanes have intensified due to climate change.
Of the 38 hurricanes that occurred between 2019 and 2023, 30 experienced intensities that were roughly one category higher due to climate change. This includes three hurricanes – Lorenzo, Ian, and Lee – that reached Category 5 status. In 2024, every hurricane experienced an increase in maximum intensity ranging from 14 to 43 kph. Hurricanes Helene and Milton were among the storms that were pushed from Category 4 to Category 5 due to climate change, highlighting the significant impact on storm intensity.
Hurricanes in 2024, such as Rafael, saw wind speeds boosted by up to 45 kph as a result of climate change. This resulted in Hurricane Rafael going from Category 1 to Category 3 as it approached Cuba in November. The research shows that climate change is allowing for stronger storms to persist for longer periods into the hurricane season, increasing the potential damage and risks associated with these extreme weather events. The findings underline the urgent need to address climate change to minimize its impact on severe weather events such as hurricanes.
The studies emphasize the direct link between human activities and the increasing intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. By understanding how climate change is influencing these storms, researchers can provide valuable insights into the future trends of hurricane intensity and potential risks associated with these extreme weather events. The findings serve as a warning about the consequences of climate change on natural disasters and highlight the importance of taking urgent action to mitigate its impact on our planet.
The research suggests that without intervention to address climate change, the intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic region is likely to continue increasing, posing significant risks to communities in the path of these storms. By developing new methods to measure the influence of climate change on hurricane intensity, scientists can better understand and predict the impacts of these extreme weather events. This information is crucial for developing strategies to adapt to a changing climate and minimize the risks posed by powerful hurricanes fueled by human-induced climate change.
