How Global Heating is Supercharging Hurricanes Like Helene and Milton
As the climate crisis escalates, storms like Hurricane Helene have become twice as likely due to human-induced global heating, according to a new study. As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida with unprecedented speed, fueled by record Gulf of Mexico heat, scientists have highlighted the role global warming plays in turning storms into destructive forces.
Last month, Helene ravaged the U.S., leaving a trail of devastation with winds of up to 140 mph. The storm was amplified by an overheated Gulf, with experts estimating that human-caused warming made such conditions up to 500 times more probable. The catastrophic hurricane caused flooding, flattened towns, and led to over 220 deaths across six states.
Hurricanes Intensify as Oceans Heat Up
The study from the World Weather Attribution group found that climate change has increased the chances of storms like Helene by 2.5 times compared to pre-industrial times. More rainfall, stronger winds, and faster intensification are direct results of hotter oceans and atmosphere.
Both Helene and Milton intensified rapidly over the Gulf of Mexico, where water temperatures have been unusually high. These record temperatures act like fuel for hurricanes, turning them into explosive storms capable of causing widespread destruction.
The Road Ahead: What Can Be Done?
The findings are clear: if the world continues to heat up, hurricanes will become more frequent and more destructive. Unless drastic action is taken to cut emissions and limit global temperature rise, storms like Helene and Milton will become the norm, not the exception.
Scientists urge that the solution lies in halting the burning of fossil fuels. The future of global climate stability is in human hands, and without significant cuts to emissions, more lives, livelihoods, and communities will be at risk.
Global Heating and Its Role in Intensifying Hurricanes Like Helene
Hurricanes are becoming more intense due to global heating, with storms such as Hurricane Helene being 200 to 500 times more likely due to human-caused climate change. The heat in the atmosphere and oceans acts like "steroids" for these storms, increasing their intensity and rainfall. The Gulf of Mexico, where hurricanes Helene and Milton gained strength, has been particularly warm, creating a "powder keg" for stronger storms. Experts warn that without major reductions in emissions, hurricanes will become even more destructive.
Climate Change: Increasing the Severity of Hurricanes
Recent data reveals that hurricanes like Helene, one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, have intensified due to climate change. Researchers found that climate change made Helene’s rainfall 10% heavier and its winds 11% stronger. The Gulf's extreme heat, fueled by global heating, significantly contributed to this, with scientists likening the effect to "steroids" boosting the power of hurricanes.
Key Findings:
- Helene was worsened by Gulf heat, with 200-500 times higher likelihood due to human-induced warming.
- Hurricane Helene left over 220 dead across six states.
- Warming oceans and atmosphere not only speed up hurricanes but also load them with more moisture, causing severe flooding.
As the world continues to warm, future storms are expected to be even more powerful unless immediate action is taken to curb emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are hurricanes getting stronger? Hurricanes derive their strength from warm ocean water and a hot atmosphere. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased global temperatures, making conditions more favorable for intense hurricanes.
2. How did climate change affect Hurricane Helene? Climate change made Hurricane Helene more powerful by increasing the rainfall by 10% and wind speed by 11%. The extreme heat in the Gulf of Mexico played a key role in intensifying the storm.
3. What will happen if global temperatures continue to rise? If the world warms by another 2°C above pre-industrial levels, storms like Helene could see 10% more rainfall and become more frequent, leading to greater destruction.
4. How does warmer water affect hurricanes? Warmer ocean waters provide more energy to hurricanes, making them intensify faster. This also allows them to carry more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and catastrophic flooding.
5. What is the solution to prevent stronger hurricanes? The primary solution is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly by cutting down the use of fossil fuels, which is the main driver of global warming.
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