Climate change impacts on tropical cyclones now and into the future

A new review of 90 peer-reviewed scientific studies by several authors from a ScienceBrief has concluded that climate change is clearly having impacts on the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones throughout the world.

Below are some of the findings, which may already be familiar to you from previous postings.

There has been an increase in more powerful tropical cyclones due to warming ocean waters, which is adding more energy to some of these storms. This trend is likely to continue this century.

The proportion of major, Category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones has increased and is likely to increase further.

Climate change may be contributing to increased rates of rapid intensification. In some regions, this may be due to a projected decrease in wind shear later this century.

Tropical cyclones are reaching their maximum intensity farther away from the equator (gaining latitude) in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Increasing atmospheric moisture from climate change is likely leading to higher rainfall rates within storms, which can increase the inland flood potential from storms.

This Sept. 10, 2017, file photo shows waves crashing over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as storm surge from Hurricane Irma impacts Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Associated Press

The forward motion of tropical cyclones may be slowing, which also increases the potential for wind and flood damage, as the worst conditions linger for a longer period of time.

The destructive power of coastal flooding from storm surge will likely continue to increase as sea levels steadily rise throughout a majority of the world.

One potential positive is that the total number of tropical cyclones each year is likely to decrease or remain the same this century.