The Impact of Climate Change on Hurricane Melissa's Ferocity

Thu Nov 06 2025 20:07:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent study indicates that climate change significantly intensified Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica and Cuba as a Category 5 storm. Analyzing extraordinary weather phenomena through a climate lens reveals alarming trends in storm development.

Hurricane Melissa, classified as one of the strongest hurricanes in history, rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 185 mph. A World Weather Attribution study found that climate change increased the atmospheric and ocean conditions contributing to this rapid intensification by six times. The hurricane's effects were devastating, particularly in Jamaica, highlighting the pressing need to address climate change impacts on tropical cyclones.

Was climate change to blame for the strength of Hurricane Melissa?

Hurricane Melissa was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the Caribbean.

The atmospheric and ocean conditions that led to the rapid intensification of the hurricane were made six times more likely by climate change, a World Weather Attribution study has found.

The storm grew from a tropical storm to a major Category 4 hurricane in just one day, fueled by warmer than average sea temperatures. It eventually made landfall in Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane before striking Cuba a day later.

satellite image of Hurricane Melissa just before the eye of the storm made landfall. — The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea allowed Melissa to rapidly intensify into a top-end Category 5 hurricane as it made landfall in Jamaica.

Days before landfall, forecasters suggested conditions were ripe for rapid intensification, with sea temperatures approximately 1.5°C warmer than average. Additionally, the depth of heat in the sea sustained warm water supply for Melissa's development.

The study concluded that climate change also elevated wind speeds and rainfall associated with the hurricane, confirming an increase in extreme weather events likely due to human-induced climate change factors.

According to the Imperial College Storm Model, climate change contributed to a 16% increase in extreme rainfall linked to Hurricane Melissa. This climate shift is concerning as experts warn that such storms are becoming more intense and frequent.

In response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, officials evacuated over 700,000 people in Cuba beforehand. Despite these measures, the aftermath revealed devastating damage to infrastructure and agriculture, highlighting the disparity in vulnerability among Caribbean nations.

As the annual United Nations Climate Change conference approaches, the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global climate action. Experts stress it is vital that climate finance reaches those most affected while transitioning away from fossil fuels.