A hurricane is defined as a large, swirling storm that produces winds of 74 mph or higher. They are formulated in tropical or subtropical waters, and begin in the Atlantic basin (including the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, eastern North Pacific Ocean, and central North Pacific Ocean). They are composed of three main parts, the first being the eye in the center. The eye is what the storm rotates around, and it is where the surface pressures are the lowest. Unlike the rest of the storm, the eye has relatively calm weather. The eyewall, located just outside of the eye, is where the weather is most severe. It is a tall wall of clouds, and brings about deadly winds and thunderstorms. And lastly, there are the rainbands, which are storm structures that spiral towards the center of the hurricane. They also produce rain, winds, and sometimes tornadoes.

There’s a specific set of conditions that hurricanes generally need in order to be developed. Firstly, the ocean water must be warm. Over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact. This is because the warmer temperatures provide more energy for the formation of the hurricane and makes everything more humid. There must also be a low wind shear (the difference in wind speed/direction over a short distance), and usually some thunderstorm activity and a preexisting tropical wave. If all these conditions are met, a hurricane may form, but it is not guaranteed every time.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies the extremity of a hurricane, giving it a score from 1 to 5. A higher score indicates a more destructive hurricane. They spend most of their time over the open ocean, gathering heat and energy, and sometimes surge into the coastline, where they cause their damage. The surging winds, rains, and floods can have devastating effects, killing people and producing billions of dollars in property damage.

Hurricanes have always existed, but in recent years, they have gotten worse. Due to climate change, they occur more often and more intensely. Global warming causes increased ocean temperatures, which is one of the conditions that give rise to hurricanes. Additionally, as the Earth warms, liquid water evaporates and adds moisture to the air. This causes large increases in the amount of rainfall brought about by hurricanes. Research has also shown that warming leads to winds up to 10% more intense. Also, due to sea level rise, the storm surge on the coast following the hurricane is amplified. To sum up, stopping climate change means reducing the destructive effects of hurricanes.

Sources: NOAA, Center for Science Education, Britannica, National Weather Service, National Geographic