Hurricane Irma and the Climate Change Connection

Hurricane Irma was a powerful Category 5 storm in 2017 that showed a well-defined eye and intense cloud bands like those seen in the satellite image. It formed over unusually warm Atlantic waters, which helped it rapidly intensify to wind speeds of 180 mph. Climate change is linked to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for hurricanes, making storms like Irma stronger and more destructive. This connection helps explain why recent hurricanes are causing increased damage and heavier rainfall.