Recent forecasts for Hurricane Debby have raised concerns about the storm's alarming rainfall potential, with scientists attributing this phenomenon to the effects of climate change caused by fossil fuel pollution.
As the Earth's atmosphere continues to warm, it has the capacity to hold more moisture, with a 7% increase for every degree Celsius rise in temperature. This excess moisture can then be released in more intense bursts, leading to heavier rainfall during storms.
Experts have observed this trend in hurricanes as well, noting that the storms are now capable of producing larger amounts of rain due to the warming atmosphere. A study conducted after the record-breaking 2020 hurricane season revealed that global warming has made hourly rainfall rates in all storms 5 to 10% more extreme, with an even greater impact on hurricanes.
The findings suggest that climate change is contributing to the intensification of rainfall in hurricanes, posing a significant risk to coastal regions and communities vulnerable to flooding. Scientists emphasize the need for continued research and proactive measures to address the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather events like hurricanes.
