Climate change makes Hurricane Milton worse

The storm's wind speeds increased by about 10%, and rainfall increased by 20-30% due to global warming. Milton rapidly strengthened from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in less than 24 hours, thanks to record-warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm.

Ruby Bishop and her son Alex are evacuated from their home after Hurricane Milton caused the Anclote River to flood, Oct. 11, 2024, in New Port Richey, Florida. Photo: AP/Mike Carlson

The US National Hurricane Center said Milton was the third fastest-intensifying hurricane in Atlantic history, with winds reaching 180 mph (290 km/h). Scientists have stressed that storms like Milton are becoming more frequent due to climate change, with such heavy rains now twice as likely as they would have been without human intervention.

Climate change, driven largely by the burning of fossil fuels, is making hurricanes more deadly, said Ian Duff, an activist with Greenpeace. Floridians, many of whom are uninsured, now face huge costs to rebuild their homes and communities.

Climate scientists have observed a trend of rapidly increasing hurricanes in the Atlantic region over the past 50 years, which may be linked to rising temperatures. With warmer waters surrounding Florida and the Caribbean, forecasters have predicted a more intense hurricane season, and Milton became the second Category 5 storm this year.

Hong Hanh (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-nha-khoa-hoc-cho-biet-bien-doi-khi-hau-khien-con-bao-milton-toi-te-hon-post316609.html