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Hurricane Beryl formed in the Atlantic Ocean, starting as a tropical depression in early July, and within days, it intensified into a tropical storm and eventually reached hurricane status of category 5, reaching speeds of 160mph (257km/h) in record time. It has killed over 20 people and caused damage of at least $5 billion.
As Beryl transformed from a tropical depression into a formidable hurricane, it showcased the alarming trends scientists have been warning about: warmer oceans, increased atmospheric moisture, and more frequent rapid intensification.
Beryl has now been cited all across the world as a classic example of climate change induced rapid intensification, an increasingly witnessed phenomenon where a storm’s wind speeds increase by at least 35 mph within 24 hours.
The Caribbean islands, particularly those in the Lesser Antilles, bore the brunt of Beryl’s force. Islands like Dominica and Martinique experienced extensive flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages. Although the hurricane eventually weakened before reaching the southeastern United States, it still brought significant rainfall and strong winds to coastal areas.
No category 5 Atlantic hurricane has ever formed this early in the year before, as most major storms typically develop closer to September. However, Beryl rapidly intensified from a minor storm to a category 4 hurricane in just two days. Previously, the only case of a category 5 hurricane in July was Hurricane Emily on July 16, 2005.
Beryl has struck at a time when many leaders in different parts of the world continue to deny the reality of climate change and fight efforts to address it.
Climate Change and Rapid Intensification
The connection between climate change and hurricane intensity lies in the warmer ocean temperatures. Hurricanes derive their energy from warm seawater, and as global temperatures rise, so do ocean temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic have been steadily increasing, providing more fuel for storms like Beryl.
In the case of Hurricane Beryl, the unusually warm waters of the Atlantic acted as a supercharger. When Beryl encountered these warm waters, it rapidly intensified, becoming a more powerful and dangerous storm. Scientists have observed that these conditions are becoming more frequent, resulting in a higher number of rapidly intensifying storms.
“Beryl would be astounding to happen anyway, but for it to form in June is completely unprecedented. It’s just remarkable to see sea temperatures this warm,” The Guardian quoted Brian McNoldy, a climate scientist at the University of Miami, as saying.
“I don’t think anyone would expect an outlier like this to happen, it exceeded expectations. With a climate-change influenced ocean, we are making extreme storms like this more likely to happen. While ocean temperatures around the world have been steadily marching upwards as the planet heats due the burning of fossil fuels, the past year has been “off the charts”, McNoldy was further quoted saying.
Increased moisture and intensity
Another critical factor in the intensification of hurricanes due to climate change is the increase in atmospheric moisture. Warmer air holds more moisture, which can lead to more substantial and intense rainfall during hurricanes. For Hurricane Beryl, the enhanced moisture levels contributed to heavier rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and water damage in affected areas.
Not an isolated incident
The story of Hurricane Beryl is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of stronger and more destructive hurricanes. Climate models predict that as the Earth continues to warm, the frequency of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes will increase. This shift poses significant challenges for coastal communities, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness efforts.
The Beryl Hurricane stands as a testament to the urgent need for climate action and resilience-building measures.
CFC has earlier debunked false claims about climate change having no impact on hurricanes.
References:
https://www.wesh.com/article/hurricane-beryl-climate-change/61532978
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/09/hurricane-beryl-ocean-temperatures
Banner image : https://convoyofhope.org/articles/hurricane-beryl/
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