Study: Warming Oceans Strengthened Hurricane Windspeed in the North Atlantic

Study: Warming Oceans Strengthened HurricanesHurricane byWindspeed 18in MPHthe North Atlantic

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Nov 20, 2024

Above: Hurricane Ivan just west of Grenada in the Caribbean Sea on September 7, 2004. Image copyright: Wikimedia Commonsstory last updated Nov 20, 2024

The Facts

A study published in the journal Environmental Research: Climate found that climate change intensified nearly 85% of North Atlantic hurricanes from 2019-2023, increasing wind speeds by an average of 18 mph and 30 storms to higher categories.A study published in the journal Environmental Research: Climate found that climate change intensified nearly 85% of North Atlantic hurricanes from 2019-2023, increasing wind speeds by an average of 18 mph (30 km/hr) and resulting in 30 storms reaching higher categories.
Of the 38 hurricanes analyzed, 32 were found to have been strengthened due to rising sea surface temperatures, adding that the storms were an average of 27 feet per second faster than they would've been without climate change.Of the 38 hurricanes analyzed, 32 were found to have been strengthened as a result of rising sea surface temperatures.
The study also found that three hurricanes — Lorenzo in 2019, Ian in 2022, and Lee in 2023 — were turned into Category 5 storms by climate change. Category 5 storms have winds of 157 mph or higher.The study also found that three hurricanes — Lorenzo in 2019, Ian in 2022, and Lee in 2023 — were turned into Category 5 storms because of the influence of climate change. Category 5 storms have winds of 157 mph or higher.

The Spin

This study confirms what we've long known — there's been a doubling of major hurricanes since the 1980s, rising sea levels amplify flooding, and slower-moving storms increase destruction. While non-climate change factors are also at play, governments must take these facts seriously and work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve infrastructure for extreme weather, and build communities to withstand worsening storms.

Environmental Defense Fund Vox

Climate change is not causing more hurricanes or making them significantly worse. Historical data show hurricane frequency has declined slightly since 1900, with no strong trend in increased intensity. While people are reasonably concerned when they see rises in destruction, it's important to remember that thisthese isfactors are caused by population growth in vulnerable areas, poor infrastructure, and inadequate disaster planning.