Climate Central Study: Climate Change Intensifies 2024 Atlantic Hurricanes, Boosting Wind Speeds by 18 mph

Nov 20, 2024, 05:46 PM

A new study by Climate Central has revealed that human-caused climate change has significantly intensified Atlantic hurricanes over the past six years, with wind speeds increasing by an average of 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour). The research indicates that 85% of hurricanes between 2019 and 2023 were affected, with ocean temperatures made hotter by climate change fueling more intense storms. Notably, all 11 hurricanes in the 2024 Atlantic season were intensified, with wind speeds boosted by 14 to 45 kilometers per hour. This year's three most devastating storms — Beryl, Helene, and Milton — saw increases in wind speed by 18 mph, 16 mph, and 24 mph respectively due to climate change. The study also highlights that for some storms, including Hurricane Rafael, the increase in wind speed was so significant that it jumped two categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.