How might climate change affect the distribution, frequency and intensity of tropical storms?
Rising global temperatures will lead to an increase in the occurrence and severity of tropical storms
Global temperatures are expected to increase as a result of climate change. This means that more of the world’s oceans could be above 27 °C, so more places in the world may experience tropical storms.
Oceans will stay at 27 °C or higher for more of the year so the number of tropical storms each year could increase.
Higher temperatures also mean higher intensity tropical storms with higher wind speeds, meaning they could cause more damage. Also, there is evidence that extra water vapour in the atmosphere is making storms wetter. During the past 25 years, satellites have measured a 4 percent rise in water vapour in the air.
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