Will Europe get more hurricanes in the future?

PETER JENKINS, MANCHESTER

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters, making them relatively uncommon in Europe. Hurricanes born in tropical Atlantic waters are occasionally diverted northwest by the jet stream, but gradually peter out as they hit colder waters. By the time they arrive in Europe they may PQ|NQPIGT VGEJPKECNN[ DG ENCUUKHKGF CU C JWTTKECPG DWV ECP UVKNN ECWUG heavy rain and high winds, as seen with ex-hurricane Ophelia in October. As our climate changes, warmer waters in the North Atlantic could lead to hurricanes retaining their intensity over greater distances, increasing the frequency with which such ‘super storms’ occur in western Europe.