Physics suggests that as the world warms, hurricanes and other tropical cyclones should get stronger, because warmer water provides more of the energy that fuels these storms. And climate simulations have long showed an increase in stronger hurricanes as warming continues.

Why are hurricanes getting stronger over time?

North Atlantic hurricanes are retaining far more of their strength when they hit land because of global warming, say scientists. Researchers says that climate change gives the storms more energy, which continues to power them over land. ...

Can hurricanes strengthen?

As long as the base of this weather system remains over warm water and its top is not sheared apart by high-altitude winds, it will strengthen and grow. More and more heat and water will be pumped into the air. The pressure at its core will drop further and further, sucking in wind at ever increasing speeds.