Climate Change Intensifies Hurricane Melissa: New Study Reveals Impact

Thu Nov 06 2025 14:05:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent analysis highlights how human-caused climate change has exacerbated the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, resulting in stronger winds and increased rainfall across the Caribbean, leading to catastrophic damage and loss of life.

Hurricane Melissa has wrought havoc in the Caribbean, with a new study indicating that climate change has significantly intensified the storm's wind speeds by 7% and made rainfall 16% more severe. The hurricane, affecting Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, has resulted in numerous fatalities and extensive destruction. Scientists emphasize the connection between warmer ocean temperatures and catastrophic weather patterns, warning of the implications for future hurricanes.

A new study has confirmed that hurricane Melissa's fierce winds and rain were intensified by human-driven climate change, as it caused significant temperature and humidity increases that fueled the storm. The hurricane made landfall across multiple Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, leaving behind a trail of destruction and a rising death toll.

The rapid analysis conducted by World Weather Attribution found that climate change increased the storm's maximum wind speeds by 7% and its precipitation by 16%. Furthermore, the temperature and humidity that aided in Melissa's intensification were reported to be six times more likely due to climate change when compared to pre-industrial conditions.

Hurricane Melissa has drawn its power from notably warm ocean waters, which were up to 1.4°C (2.5°F) higher than historical averages. This phenomenon underlines the link between warmer oceans and stronger hurricanes, with scientists emphasizing that the increase in ocean temperature acts as fuel, enhancing the characteristics of tropical storms.

As Melissa progressed, the destruction became apparent, highlighting the hurricane's legacy of uprooted roofs, disrupted healthcare facilities, and destroyed agricultural fields.

Experts warn that hurricanes are likely to continue increasing in strength and frequency, a trend that correlates with the impacts of climate change. Rapid attribution analyses serve as critical tools for scientists to quickly assess these climatic influences following extreme weather events.

Brian Tang, a professor specializing in atmospheric sciences, remarked that the growth of destructive storms aligns with ongoing research indicating that climate change is the catalyst for the rapid intensification of hurricanes. This alarming study acts as a dire warning for the future, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change.