By Helena Parrilla
Even though we have felt like there have been lots of hurricanes lately, there actually haven’t been that many; but they have been getting stronger and stronger. They have been getting stronger because of the heat. Evaporation intensifies as the temperature rises. As storms go across warm ocean, they gather more water, vapor and heat. That means stronger winds, heavier rainfall and more flooding when the storm hits land. One big reason why there haven’t been so many is because the Sahara dust has been moving off the coast of Africa which is unfavorable for tropical storms and hurricanes.
Satellite image shows Tropical Storm Ida after forming in the Caribbean, about 75 miles (125 kilometers) north-northwest of Grand Cayman, August 27, 2021. NOAA/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
Nonetheless, over the past 10 years, the rate of the ocean has increased by 3.9 mm (0.15 inches) per year. The rainfall has increased in Costa Rica due to hurricane Julia. Which is why the national risk management system has raised alerts as a preventive measure in a few places.
References: Tico Times and NBC news
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