An analysis has revealed that Hurricane Beryl's recent impact on Jamaica was intensified by the effects of climate change. The study found that modern storms like Beryl, which track close to Jamaica, are now capable of unloading 30% more rain and producing 10% stronger winds compared to similar storms from previous decades.
During the recent storm, Kingston, Jamaica's capital, experienced over double the amount of rainfall it typically receives in the entire month of July within just 24 hours. Additionally, the city endured 12 consecutive hours of tropical-storm-force winds, leading to significant damage and disruption.
Tragically, the storm resulted in the loss of two lives in Jamaica and at least seven others in the surrounding region. Researchers involved in the study emphasized that the increased intensity of such events is directly linked to human-driven climate change.
The study's findings suggest that while similar weather events may occur with the same frequency in the future, their impact is likely to be more severe, particularly for vulnerable regions like the Caribbean Islands.
Notably, Hurricane Beryl made history as the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic. This alarming trend is consistent with previous research indicating that as the planet continues to warm due to fossil fuel pollution, there will be an increase in the frequency of intense tropical cyclones.
Furthermore, the warming of ocean temperatures is leading to more storms rapidly intensifying, while the rainfall from tropical cyclones is being amplified by the changing climate. These factors collectively contribute to the heightened risks posed by extreme weather events in the Caribbean and beyond.
