Stronger Hurricanes

The document reports that while the total number of hurricanes is not increasing, the probability of storms reaching major hurricane status (Category 3-5) has risen significantly, particularly in the North Atlantic. It attributes this trend to rising sea surface temperatures and atmospheric warming, which also contribute to heavier rainfall, slower storm speeds, and deeper coastal flooding due to sea level rise.

• Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic's Main Development Region have increased by 1.85°F over the last century.
• The probability of a hurricane reaching Category 3 or higher has increased globally by approximately 8 percent per decade since 1979, while the increase in the North Atlantic is significantly higher at 49 percent per decade.
• Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding during landfall by creating potential for stronger hurricanes, heavier rain, and higher storm surges.
• Additional factors contributing to flood risk include a slowing of storm forward speed, which increases rainfall in specific areas, and sea levels that are on average 7 inches higher than they were a century ago.

APA

Climate Central (2020). Stronger Hurricanes. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-stronger-hurricanes

Chicago

Climate Central. Stronger Hurricanes. 2020. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-stronger-hurricanes.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Central |title=Stronger Hurricanes |date=23 September 2020 |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-stronger-hurricanes |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatecentral2020stronger, author = {{Climate Central}}, title = {{Stronger Hurricanes}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2020}, month = sep, url = {https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/2020-stronger-hurricanes}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }