Saturday 4 May 2024

Better Hold On Tight

 
Since 1973, Hurricanes have been measured by a five-category rating system with Category 1 for winds up to 95mph up to Category 5 with winds of 157 mph or more.
Due to Global Warming and warmer seas meaning Hurricanes becoming more intense meteorologists are arguing for a Category 6 to be introduced for storms with sustained winds of 192 mph or more.
Since 2013, there have been five global storms that would have made it to Category 6, when Hurricane Patricia headed towards Mexico in 2015 it had sustained winds over the Pacific Ocean of 215 mph and 2024 could add to that list as for the past year global ocean temperatures have been consistently breaking records and given that ocean heat is what fuels the biggest, most destructive hurricanes, scientists are worried.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have predicted an extremely active North Atlantic season with an estimated 11 hurricanes, five of them being Category 3 or higher and worryingly for anyone in their path, the hurricanes are intensifying quicker due to the warmer seas fueling them and therefore becoming much more dangerous as a city preparing for a 95mph hurricane could suddenly be hit by a 150mph one due to it intensifying just before it hits land.  
To add to the scenario, La NiƱa conditions in the Pacific could help form and intensify hurricanes this summer so batten down the hatches because it could get bumpy as man-made Climate change is here to remind us what happens when we foolishly mess with our environment.