Hurricane season looms overhead every year with the potential for heavy winds, torrential downpours, and devastating storms that have the potential to destroy everything in their path. While South Florida has avoided a number of major hurricanes in the past few years, there’s reason to believe that we could be in for far more active hurricane seasons to come.
The Earth’s climate is constantly changing, and one of the most significant consequences of global warming is the increase in ocean temperatures. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the planet experiences rising sea surface temperatures (SSTs), leading to more frequent and intense tropical storms and hurricanes. According to CNN, some spots off the coast of the Florida Keys were registering the water temperature at around 97 degrees. Hurricanes and other large storm systems feed off hot waters, providing them with the energy to grow and intensify quickly.
Intensified Storms
Record warm ocean temperatures create a conducive environment for the formation of hurricanes. As ocean waters heat up, more moisture is evaporated into the atmosphere, increasing the potential for storm development. Additionally, the warmer waters extend further beneath the ocean’s surface, allowing storms to draw heat from deeper depths, further fueling their intensity. Consequently, we can expect an increase in the number of tropical storms and hurricanes forming during the hurricane season.
Longer Hurricane Seasons
As ocean temperatures rise, the traditional boundaries of hurricane seasons may expand. Historically, the Atlantic hurricane season has spanned from June 1 to November 30. However, with warmer waters lingering for more extended periods, hurricanes may form earlier and persist later into the year, increasing the overall duration of the hurricane season. Extended hurricane seasons could strain emergency response resources and further challenge preparedness efforts.
Increased Storm Intensity
Warmer ocean waters not only increase the frequency of tropical storms but also contribute to their intensification. Hurricanes thrive in warm waters, gaining energy and growing in strength as they traverse across these regions. Warm ocean waters tend to lead to more evaporation—meaning more rain falling from storms above.
Record warm ocean temperatures may result in more major hurricanes, which bring devastating winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall, leading to extensive damage to coastal communities and ecosystems.
Higher Rainfall and Flooding
In addition to stronger winds and storm surges, warmer oceans contribute to increased rainfall during hurricanes. As hurricanes travel over warmer waters, they absorb more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall during landfall. The combination of intense rainfall and flooding can exacerbate the impacts of hurricanes, causing infrastructure damage, loss of life, and widespread property destruction.
Ocean Acidification and Coral Reefs
Rising ocean temperatures also contribute to ocean acidification, which poses a significant threat to coral reefs. Coral reefs are crucial ecosystems that protect coastlines from storm surges and provide habitat for numerous marine species. However, warming oceans stress coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching and, in severe cases, mass die-offs. The loss of healthy coral reefs weakens natural coastal defenses, leaving coastal communities more vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes.
Record warm ocean temperatures have far-reaching implications for hurricane seasons, with potential consequences ranging from increased storm frequency and intensity to longer hurricane seasons and more severe flooding. With the 2023 Hurricane Season underway, we can expect things to really ramp up between August and November. Before we come face to face with the next major hurricane, consider making the switch to impact windows and doors for your home.
With storms only getting stronger, you need a South Florida home defense solution that can ensure your family’s safety even against the toughest of storms. Don’t rely on old and outdated options like wood panels or accordion shutters. Impact windows offer immediate defense the moment they’re installed that far exceed other options. Don’t hesitate—contact Broward Impact and receive a free, on-site consultation and take the first step towards securing your home today.
