Recent studies have made significant strides in linking climate change to the intensification of hurricanes, particularly focusing on Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Using rapid attribution models, researchers have pinpointed the role of warmer ocean temperatures in these storms' development.
Hurricane Helene, for instance, experienced ocean temperatures that were 2.3°F above normal, a condition made 300 times more likely due to human-caused climate change. This additional heat, absorbed by the oceans, fuels storm intensity, as warmer water enhances evaporation and energy release during thunderstorms.
Similarly, Hurricane Milton escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane within 24 hours, with water temperatures 1.8°F above normal, a scenario that was made 100 times more likely by climate change. This rapid intensification showcases the increasing unpredictability and danger of storms in our warming world.
These findings underscore a critical trend: while the total number of storms may not increase, those that do form are becoming significantly stronger and more destructive, posing heightened risks to coastal communities.