Study shows climate change strengthens 80% of recent Atlantic hurricanes
A new study shows that over 80% of Atlantic hurricanes from 2019 to 2023 were significantly stronger due to climate change. Researchers found these storms were, on average, 18 mph faster because of increased ocean heat linked to greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights that warmer ocean temperatures have intensified hurricanes, with rapid intensification occurring more frequently. For the 2024 hurricane season, this methodology applies to all named storms that became hurricanes, potentially increasing their strength and impact. Hurricane Beryl exemplifies this trend, growing from a Category 1 storm at landfall in Texas to a Category 5 in the Caribbean, largely due to climate change. The study indicates that Beryl likely would not have reached such intensity without human influence on the climate.