The Hurricane Season for 2024 has officially ended on November 30.
As the hurricane season neared its finale, hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton left a trail of devastation across the United States, causing significant economic and human losses. This raises the pressing question: why have such powerful hurricanes occurred with such frequency?
One prevailing theory points to climate change as a major culprit. Unusually warm ocean waters have been identified as a key factor in intensifying these storms, providing the energy needed to produce winds far stronger than anticipated.
What is undeniable is that Atlantic Ocean temperatures have risen by at least 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit, a trend that has persisted for the past 18 months. If these elevated sea surface temperatures continue through the winter, there is a strong possibility that next year’s hurricane season could be just as active and destructive.
This trend underscores the urgent need to address the broader impacts of climate change, not only in terms of reducing its causes but also in preparing for and mitigating its effects on extreme weather events.
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