Impact of Warm Ocean Temperatures

The unusually high ocean temperatures this hurricane season are primarily driven by climate change, resulting in warmer water in regions like the Atlantic and Caribbean. Specifically, areas where hurricanes form are experiencing water temperatures well above normal, which significantly enhances the storm's energy and intensity. For instance, the recent hurricane Francine was fueled by water temperatures in the upper 80s, a stark contrast to typical seasonal averages. Furthermore, these warm conditions are not isolated to one area; they indicate a broader global issue, with average ocean temperatures breaking records for over a year.