This article is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, a platform dedicated to bringing you the latest news and solutions for our changing region. From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, we want to hear from you. What questions do you have about climate change? What topics would you like us to cover? Don’t hesitate to reach out. According to a recent study by the Princeton-based nonprofit Climate Central, hurricanes have been spinning faster this year due to the effects of climate change. The study found that the record-breaking temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean have intensified the strength of hurricane winds by an average of 18 MPH, with some storms experiencing wind speed increases of up to 28 MPH. This increase in wind speed has resulted in some hurricanes being classified in a higher category on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which can have a significant impact on the level of damage caused. The study also found that human-caused global warming has elevated ocean temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit on average, providing the necessary fuel for hurricanes to form and intensify. This has led to seven hurricanes being moved to a higher scale and two tropical storms reaching hurricane strength. As meteorologist and atmospheric scientist Daniel Gilford, the lead author of the study, explains, “Hurricanes are like the heat engine of a car – they need fuel to spin, and the more fuel you add, the faster they will spin.” While a category change may not seem significant, it can make a big difference in the amount of damage caused. This research highlights the impact of climate change on hurricane formation and serves as a reminder of the urgent need for action to address this issue. Stay informed and stay safe.
Lun. Dic 23rd, 2024
