‘New reality’: Hurricane Melissa strength multiplied by climate crisis, study says

The Guardian
The Guardian
17h ago 2 views
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a category five storm, causing extensive damage and loss of life. The storm's intensity was exacerbated by climate change, highlighting urgent global warming concerns.
‘New reality’: Hurricane Melissa strength multiplied by climate crisis, study says
A What happened
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a category five hurricane, bringing winds of up to 185 mph and causing widespread devastation. The storm resulted in damages estimated at $6 billion, displacing hundreds of thousands and leading to at least 61 fatalities. A study by an international team of scientists revealed that climate change has intensified the storm's strength, making winds of this magnitude five times more frequent. The research indicates that global warming has increased maximum wind speeds by 7% and extreme rainfall by 16%. The rapid intensification of Melissa, which saw wind speeds rise dramatically in just one day, exemplifies the alarming trend of increasingly severe storms due to climate change. As Jamaica begins the arduous task of recovery, the need for international climate finance becomes critical, with calls for developed nations to fulfill their commitments to support vulnerable countries.

Key insights

  • 1

    Increased Storm Intensity

    Climate change has made storms like Melissa more intense and frequent.

  • 2

    Economic Impact

    The hurricane caused damages equivalent to a third of Jamaica's GDP.

  • 3

    Urgent Climate Finance Needs

    Developing nations require support from wealthier countries for climate adaptation.

Takeaways

Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for global action and support for vulnerable nations facing such extreme weather events.

Topics

Economy Public Health Climate Change