Human-induced climate change has intensified Hurricane Helene’s rainfall by around 10% and wind speeds by approximately 11%. Ocean temperatures were significantly higher than average, contributing to the storm’s severity. Similar conditions are expected for Hurricane Milton. Experts emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change effects, as such storms are projected to become more common and deadly due to rising temperatures.
Recent studies indicate that human-induced climate change has exacerbated the intensity and rainfall of Hurricane Helene, enhancing its precipitation by approximately 10% and increasing wind speeds by around 11%. This assessment, conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA), underscores the alarming role of rising global temperatures in shaping extreme weather patterns. As the Gulf of Mexico experiences ocean temperatures 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) above average, Helene’s winds were reported to have escalated by around 13 miles per hour (20.92 kilometers per hour). The study highlights that such heightened conditions, including intensified rainfall, can lead to catastrophic inland flooding, a significant contributor to the hurricane’s death toll, where many casualties were attributed to flooding rather than high winds. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, bringing devastating impacts that included a record storm surge of 15 feet (4.57 meters) and sustained winds of 140 miles per hour (225.31 kilometers per hour). This storm left a lasting destruction, affecting regions such as Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, resulting in the loss of over 230 lives. The total rainfall from Helene was estimated at over 40 trillion gallons, significantly more than if human-induced climate warming had not occurred, as stated by researchers. Experts warn that storms like Helene can be expected more frequently due to ongoing fossil fuel consumption. They anticipate the trajectory of future hurricanes to be influenced heavily by our energy policies and the extent of greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, Hurricane Milton, which follows Helene, is forecasted to experience similar climatic boosting due to the prevailing warm sea conditions. The correlation between climate change and hurricanes has become increasingly evident, with scientists confirming that hurricanes similar to Helene, which were once anticipated every 130 years, are now approximately 2.5 times more likely in the same regions. The situation serves as a critical reminder of the need for urgent actions in emergency preparedness and resilience planning in light of climate change. As the warming trend intensifies, experts assert that the future holds potentially more severe storms and flooding unless drastic measures to alter our energy consumption practices are enacted.
The article discusses the influence of human-caused climate change on the intensification of hurricanes, particularly focusing on Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have both presented significant challenges along the U.S. coast. With ocean temperatures rising and atmospheric warmth increasing moisture retention, the study by World Weather Attribution illuminates the devastating impacts of climate change on weather-related disasters. It presents empirical evidence linking climate change to increased hurricane frequency and severity, highlighting the need for an urgent response from policymakers and the general public to mitigate further climate impacts.
In conclusion, the studies reveal a troubling connection between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes like Helene and Milton. The rise in ocean temperatures and atmospheric moisture retention has not only amplified the destructive capability of these storms but also poses a significant threat to life and infrastructure. Urgent action is needed in the form of preparedness and a shift away from fossil fuels to prevent exacerbating the already critical situation. The data provides a wake-up call, emphasizing the immediate need for comprehensive climate action to reduce risks and protect vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.ksnt.com
