Worsening ocean heat waves are ‘supercharging’ hurricane damage, study finds
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A new study found that worsening ocean heat waves are supercharging damage caused by hurricanes and tropical cyclones, resulting in 60% more disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damage. The study suggests that a better understanding of how marine heat waves amplify hurricanes could help forecasters and emergency officials prepare for future storms.
Researchers studied 1,600 tropical cyclones that made landfall since 1981 and found that those that went over extra-hot water were more likely to intensify rapidly. This resulted in more frequent and costly disasters. Marine heat waves are becoming more of a danger with climate change and ever hotter oceans. The study defined marine heat waves as long-lasting, large areas of water in the top 10% of historical heat. Warm water is fuel for hurricanes, and marine heat waves can supercharge their damage. The study's findings have important implications for how governments plan, design, and respond to these hazards.
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