Warm Oceans and Weak Cyclones: The Deadly Combination of Climate Change

The final week of November was devastating for several South Asian countries as Cyclones Ditwah and Senyar brought relentless rain. Millions were affected, with over 1,500 lives lost and damages in the millions. Despite accurate forecasts, the impact was severe, raising questions about the role of climate change. With warmer oceans holding more moisture, even weak cyclones can unleash catastrophic rainfall. The warming oceans are reshaping the risks posed by cyclones, emphasizing the importance of preparation for intense rain events. As forecasting systems improve, governments must ready for storms with extreme rainfall, a new threat in a changing climate.