Climate Change and the Fury of Hurricane Helene: A Stark Warning

Hurricane Helene, intensified by climate change, resulted in unprecedented rainfall and high winds, devastating the southeastern U.S. Scientists highlight the critical link between human-caused warming and severe weather events like Helene, urging for urgent action against fossil fuel usage to prevent future catastrophes.

Human-induced climate change has significantly intensified Hurricane Helene, increasing its rainfall by 10% and wind speeds by 11%, according to scientists. The alarming findings came just as Hurricane Milton looms, threatening the Florida coast.

World Weather Attribution reported that Helene's wind speeds were enhanced by over 20 kilometers per hour due to higher sea temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, which were 2 degrees Celsius above normal.

The study highlights the urgent need for action against fossil fuel consumption to prevent such catastrophic weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to global warming, impacting inland and coastal regions with severe flooding.

(With inputs from agencies.)