Recent findings by Spanish meteorologists reveal that climate change is exacerbating hurricane activity by raising Atlantic Ocean temperatures. This year's hurricane season is predicted to be particularly active, influenced by both elevated sea temperatures and a dynamic African monsoon that fosters future tropical cyclones.
Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), noted that while the phenomenon of La Niña, which cools Pacific waters, is expected to emerge, its delay means that current atmospheric conditions are neutral. However, weak wind shear is conducive to hurricane formation.
The recent storm, Hurricane Kirk, caused significant disruptions across northern Spain, leading to over 1,300 incidents, particularly in Galicia. Experts emphasize that warmer ocean waters are fueling increasingly powerful hurricanes, with a shift towards more intense storms being observed.
Although no hurricanes are currently expected to reach Spain, remnants of these storms may increasingly impact Europe as post-tropical depressions. This trend underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the effects of rising sea temperatures.