‘Deadly, expensive whoppers’ in store as Atlantic hurricane season begins
[...]
The only contrary sign is that for the first time since 2014, a storm didn't form before the official June 1 start of the hurricane season, but forecasters are watching the Eastern Pacific's record-setting Hurricane Agatha that looks likely to cross over land and reform as Alex in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.
Here's what may make the Atlantic chaotic this season:
LA NINA
[...]
One weather feature that can decapitate storms or prevent them from forming in the first place is high cross winds called shear. But La Nina pretty much deadens shear, which is "a huge factor" for more storm activity, University of Albany hurricane researcher Kristen Corbosiero said.
[...]
CLIMATE CHANGE
Studies show that climate change is making hurricanes wetter, because warm air can hold more moisture, and are making the strongest storms a bit stronger. Storms also may be stalling more, allowing them to drop more rain over the same place, like in 2017's Harvey, where more than 50 inches (127 centimeters) fell in one spot. They are also rapidly intensifying more often, experts say.
[...]
WARMER WATER
Warm water acts as fuel for hurricanes. Storms can't form until waters hit 79 degrees (26 degrees Celsius) and the deeper the warm water reaches, and the higher its temperature, the more the hurricane has to feed on.
[...]