How does climate change affect storms?

Question

Nova Anderson · Accepted Answer

Somewhat debatable but generally speaking climate change (specifically global warming) will intensify storms.

In other words, since energy in the atmosphere is what causes storms, storm intensity increases with atmospheric energy. Having said that, the air's capacity to hold water vapor increases with temperature; the more water vapor an air can hold, the more difficult it is for the air to reach 100% relative humidity (i.e., more water vapor must be added for the air to actually form clouds). This is where the matter becomes somewhat disputed.

Xavier Atkins · Answer

undefined Climate change can affect storms in several ways. Warmer air temperatures can lead to increased evaporation from the ocean surface, resulting in higher levels of moisture in the atmosphere. This increased moisture can fuel more intense rainfall during storms, leading to heavier precipitation and an increased risk of flooding. Additionally, warmer ocean temperatures can contribute to the intensification of tropical cyclones, making them more powerful and potentially more destructive. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, such as shifts in the jet stream, can also influence the frequency, intensity, and tracks of storms. Overall, climate change is expected to exacerbate many aspects of storm behavior, including rainfall, wind speeds, and storm surge, leading to greater risks for communities and ecosystems.