A new study reveals that climate change significantly amplified Hurricane Helene’s rainfall by 10% and wind speeds by 11%, influencing the expected impacts of the nearby Hurricane Milton. Researchers indicate that these changes are a direct result of human-caused climate warming, which will likely lead to increased frequency and severity of hurricanes. They warn of the dire consequences of continued fossil fuel consumption, showing that climate change has made storms like Helene historically more probable, with catastrophic results including extensive flooding and loss of life.
Recent findings reveal that human-induced climate change significantly intensified the impact of Hurricane Helene, enhancing its rainfall by approximately 10% and increasing wind speeds by around 11%. These insights emerge from a rapid study conducted by World Weather Attribution and coincide with the formation of Hurricane Milton, which poses a threat to the Florida coast shortly after Helene’s devastating passage. The study indicates that Helene’s winds surged by about 13 miles per hour, attributed to warmer air and sea temperatures, which were found to be 200 to 500 times more likely due to climate warming. The Gulf of Mexico experienced ocean temperatures elevated by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the norm. Ben Clarke, a climate researcher at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, noted that the warmth in the atmosphere allows for greater moisture retention, thereby exacerbating rainfall totals. This phenomenon signifies a troubling trend as storms like Milton are predicted to exhibit similar enhancements due to climate change. The scientists caution that ongoing fossil fuel consumption will result in more intense hurricanes, leading to severe flooding that extends far from the coasts. Helene’s impact was catastrophic, evidenced by a storm surge reaching 15 feet and sustained winds of 140 miles per hour, leading to over 230 fatalities and extensive damage across several states, including Georgia and the Carolinas, where unprecedented rainfall was recorded. The study indicates that hurricanes of Helene’s magnitude were historically expected only once every 130 years, yet they are now occurring approximately 2.5 times more frequently. The implications of climate change have been quantifiably assessed, showing that Helene’s rainfall was significantly influenced by global warming, which made severe precipitation events up to 20 times more likely in certain areas. Experts like Kim Cobb emphasize the pressing need for improved emergency preparedness and resilience planning in light of these potent storms. Overall, these events exemplify the potential future of hurricanes driven by climate change, stressing the urgency for shifting energy policies to mitigate these risks. The analysis underscores the immediate connection between high sea temperatures and the rapid intensification of storms like Milton. As future trajectory projections remain contingent on global fossil fuel consumption, the findings emphasize a critical decision-making juncture for energy systems worldwide.
The article discusses the impact of climate change on hurricane activity, specifically focusing on the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton. Through scientific research, it establishes a clear correlation between climate change and the increased intensity of rainfall and winds associated with these storms. It articulates the consequences of warmer air and sea temperatures, underscoring the alarming frequency and intensity of hurricanes in a warming climate. This study, conducted by World Weather Attribution, highlights ongoing and future risks of increased flooding and destructive storms, advocating for immediate changes in energy policies to address these climate threats.
In conclusion, the research highlights the direct influence of climate change on hurricanes’ intensified impacts, as illustrated by Helene and potentially Milton. As storms grow more destructive due to elevated sea temperatures and atmospheric conditions, the study emphasizes the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. It serves as a crucial reminder for enhancing preparedness and resilience against future storms, advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels to protect communities from the escalating risks posed by such severe weather events.
Original Source: phys.org
