Unusually warm waters in the Atlantic have fuelled Hurricane Beryl, the third major hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin in June. It is the earliest major hurricane in 58 years. Climate change is not expected to increase the total number of hurricanes, but warmer ocean temperatures will strengthen those that do form. Beryl intensified rapidly due to warm water, a process becoming more common with increased sea surface temperatures. Rapid intensification is a major concern as storms that strengthen quickly are more destructive. A 2017 study found that storms with sustained wind speed increases of 70 mph over 24 hours could occur every five to 10 years by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchanged. Climate change is leading to more destructive hurricanes overall, with a warmer atmosphere holding more moisture that can cause catastrophic flooding. Scientists are studying the impact of climate change on hurricane intensity and frequency. Hurricane Ian in 2022 also underwent rapid intensification before making landfall in Florida. Overall, the effects of climate change on hurricanes are a growing concern, with the potential for more destructive storms occurring more frequently in the future.
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