WEATHER
The number of Atlantic hurricanes is on the rise
July 4, 2024 - With a greater number of hurricanes reaching category three or above, forecasters fear 2024 could foster an exceptionally troublesome Atlantic hurricane season.
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Hurricane Beryl is causing havoc in the Caribbean as it barrels its way past Jamaica and on to Mexico – the first major Atlantic hurricane in what could be an exceptionally bad season.
A greater number of tropical cyclones are rapidly reaching category three or above, meaning maximum wind speeds can increase very quickly and dangerously.
Hurricanes are also moving more slowly as they traverse the surface of the Earth, bringing more rainfall to whatever lies beneath them. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey paused over Houston, Texas, dumping a metre of rain in three days.
As global temperatures rise, so too hurricane wind speeds become faster, with a higher proportion – possibly up to 10% – reaching the more destructive levels four and five.