
BBC Inside Science Is climate change to blame for Hurricane Melissa?
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Nov 5, 2025 In this engaging discussion, guests tackle pressing scientific issues. Hannah Cloke, a hydrology professor, explores how warm ocean temperatures may have intensified Hurricane Melissa and whether we should expect worse storms in the future. Ian Brown, an avian virologist, warns about the growing concern of the H9N2 bird flu strain adapting to humans. Meanwhile, science journalist Roland Pease delves into the intrigue of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, addressing wild conspiracy theories around it. Mathematician Katie Steckles adds fun with puzzling stories from the world of science.
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Warm Oceans Fueled Melissa
- Warm, moist ocean air provided the fuel that allowed Melissa to become a very powerful hurricane.
- Hannah Cloke says above-average sea temperatures amplified the storm's strength and rainfall.
Slow Motion Multiplies Damage
- Melissa's danger increased because it moved very slowly, concentrating wind and rain over the same areas.
- Hannah Cloke compares a slow-moving storm to a raging bull trapped in a teashop to illustrate the risk.
Atmospheric Blocking Caused Stalling
- Melissa became trapped between two high-pressure systems that removed the steering winds.
- That atmospheric blocking caused the hurricane to stall and intensify over warm water.

