Hurricane Debby rapidly intensified ahead of its landfall in Florida, joining a growing list of recent storms to accomplish the feat as the planet warms, favoring the strengthening of storms. Rapid intensification, defined as a storm increasing in strength over a short period, was evident as Debby's winds surged by 35 mph in less than 24 hours before making landfall.
Starting as a 45 mph tropical storm on Sunday at 2 a.m., Debby strengthened into an 80 mph hurricane by 2 a.m. on Monday. The storm's rapid intensification was fueled by warm water, warm, moist air, and favorable upper-level winds that provided the necessary conditions for its strengthening.
Debby benefitted from near-record warm water temperatures in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, offering ample fuel for the storm to tap into and intensify rapidly, despite facing challenges from dry air and hostile upper-level winds. The eastern Gulf of Mexico recorded temperatures exceeding 31°C, which were two or more degrees above normal, contributing to the storm's energy.
Recent observations have shown significant warmth in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic, with ocean temperatures remaining at record or near-record levels since last year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that over 90% of global warming in the past 50 years has occurred in the oceans, largely due to fossil fuel pollution.
This warming trend is making rapid intensification more common, with an increasing number of storms intensifying quickly as they approach landfall, posing challenges for preparedness efforts. The impact of climate change on storm intensity underscores the importance of monitoring and understanding these phenomena to enhance resilience and response strategies.
