How Climate Change is Changing Hurricanes
Climate change is making hurricanes stronger and more common. Scientists have found that as ocean temperatures rise, storms can become much more powerful. When ocean water gets warmer than about 26.5 degrees Celsius, it helps hurricanes form and grow. Because the Earth's temperature is going up, we are seeing more hurricanes that are both more frequent and more intense.
Warmer Ocean Water
When the ocean gets warmer, it's easier for storms to form and grow quickly. For example, in 2020, we had a record number of named storms. Many of these storms turned into hurricanes very fast, showing us how warmer oceans affect hurricane behavior.
More Moisture in the Air
A warmer atmosphere can hold more water. For every degree Celsius the temperature goes up, the air can hold about 7% more moisture. This means that when storms happen, they can bring more rain, which can cause flooding and serious damage to places in their path.
Changing Wind Patterns
Climate change also affects the wind patterns that guide hurricanes. Changes in these wind patterns can cause storms to stop moving over certain areas. This can lead to longer-lasting damage, as we saw with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Rising Sea Levels
Higher sea levels make storm surges during hurricanes more dangerous. This can cause major flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas.
In short, climate change is changing the way hurricanes act. They are happening more often, becoming stronger, bringing more rain, and increasing risks to coastal areas. As humans continue to impact the climate, we can expect these trends to get worse, creating big challenges for communities around the world.
How Climate Change is Changing Hurricanes
Climate change is making hurricanes stronger and more common. Scientists have found that as ocean temperatures rise, storms can become much more powerful. When ocean water gets warmer than about 26.5 degrees Celsius, it helps hurricanes form and grow. Because the Earth's temperature is going up, we are seeing more hurricanes that are both more frequent and more intense.
Warmer Ocean Water
When the ocean gets warmer, it's easier for storms to form and grow quickly. For example, in 2020, we had a record number of named storms. Many of these storms turned into hurricanes very fast, showing us how warmer oceans affect hurricane behavior.
More Moisture in the Air
A warmer atmosphere can hold more water. For every degree Celsius the temperature goes up, the air can hold about 7% more moisture. This means that when storms happen, they can bring more rain, which can cause flooding and serious damage to places in their path.
Changing Wind Patterns
Climate change also affects the wind patterns that guide hurricanes. Changes in these wind patterns can cause storms to stop moving over certain areas. This can lead to longer-lasting damage, as we saw with Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Rising Sea Levels
Higher sea levels make storm surges during hurricanes more dangerous. This can cause major flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas.
In short, climate change is changing the way hurricanes act. They are happening more often, becoming stronger, bringing more rain, and increasing risks to coastal areas. As humans continue to impact the climate, we can expect these trends to get worse, creating big challenges for communities around the world.