Recent studies have shown that climate change increased the rainfall of Hurricane Helene by 10% and its wind speeds by 11%, with implications for Hurricane Milton. The rising sea temperatures significantly contribute to these changes, forecasting a future of more frequent and severe hurricanes linked to climate change.
Recent studies have revealed that human-induced climate change significantly augmented Hurricane Helene’s rainfall and intensified its wind speeds. Specifically, researchers found that Helene’s rainfall increased by approximately 10%, while wind speeds rose by about 11%. These findings emerged just as Hurricane Milton began to threaten the Florida coast, indicating a troubling trend linked to climate change. According to the World Weather Attribution (WWA), Helene’s wind speeds were enhanced by roughly 13 miles per hour (20.92 kilometers per hour), and the warmer ocean temperatures that contributed to the hurricane were 200 to 500 times more probable due to the effects of climate change. Notably, sea temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were approximately 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above average. Ben Clarke, a co-author of the study and climate researcher at Imperial College London, emphasized the role of warmer air in amplifying moisture levels contributing to increased rainfall. He stated, “Hurricane Helene and the storms that were happening in the region anyway have all been amplified by the fact that the air is warmer and can hold more moisture.” As for Hurricane Milton, scientists anticipate that it will likely experience similar enhancements due to the prevailing climate conditions. The implications of continued fossil fuel consumption could lead to more hurricanes akin to Helene, resulting in catastrophic flooding extending far beyond coastal regions. It is noteworthy that many fatalities attributed to Helene were the result of significant inland flooding rather than high winds. Helene’s devastating impact included a record storm surge of 15 feet (4.57 meters) and sustained winds reaching 140 miles per hour (225.31 kilometers per hour), affecting states such as Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, and unfortunately resulting in over 230 casualties. The storm released over 40 trillion gallons of rain, an unprecedented volume attributed to the warming climate. Researchers highlight that hurricanes of Helene’s intensity, previously expected every 130 years, are now approximately 2.5 times more likely to occur in the region. The WWA, established in 2015, aims to assess the influence of climate change on extreme weather events through rigorous analyses. Despite some limitations, peer-reviewed methods are utilized to derive these conclusions. In a further analysis conducted by scientists from the Department of Energy Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, it was found that climate change led to a 50% increase in rainfall in specific areas affected by Helene, making such extreme volumes dramatically more likely due to global warming. Kim Cobb, director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, asserted that while uncertainties remain regarding exact figures, it is evident that climate change is enhancing storm intensity. “Going forward, additional warming that we know will occur over the next 10 or 20 years will even worsen the statistics of hurricanes,” she warned. Clarke reiterated the importance of addressing climate change, indicating that our future trajectory hinges on our approach to fossil fuel consumption and energy system reforms. He stated, “That just hinges on how we change our energy systems and how many more fossil fuels we burn.”
The article discusses recent findings related to Hurricane Helene, establishing a connection between climate change and the severity of weather events. Research has identified an increase in rainfall and wind speeds associated with Helene, which has been attributed to human-caused climate change. The implications of these findings are particularly concerning as Hurricane Milton approaches the Florida coast, demonstrating a potential pattern for the future of hurricanes fueled by rising sea temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions. The broader context involves the urgent need for addressing climate change to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events.
In conclusion, climate change is intensifying hurricanes like Helene and potentially Milton, increasing rainfall and wind speeds significantly. The studies underscore the need for urgent actions to address fossil fuel consumption and climate change to prevent more catastrophic weather events. The alarming data presented indicates a future where similar storms may occur with greater frequency and intensity, necessitating improved emergency preparedness and resilience planning across vulnerable regions.
Original Source: phys.org
