Storms in Ireland likely to be 'much more destructive' due to climate change, Met Eireann briefing says

"The guidance - updated in March of this year - explained how 2024 was the hottest year on record globally and how Ireland's temperature has increased by nearly 1.1C since 1900. It said: "Climate change is adding fuel to storms due to warmer waters and more moisture in the atmosphere." The document added that sea level rise was expected to increase surges during periods of severe weather and increase the risk of coastal flooding."

"It said there was still uncertainty over wind speed increases but that storms were likely to become "much more powerful, larger, and more destructive" in a warmer world. The guidance - updated in March of this year - explained how 2024 was the hottest year on record globally and how Ireland's temperature has increased by nearly 1.1C since 1900. It said: "Rainfall associated with the 2023/24 storm season was about 20pc more intense and ten times more likely to occur in today's warmer climate.""

"However, forecasters were advised to be cautious about making a direct link with climate change for particular events. A 'key climate message' from Storm Éowyn said: "Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. "Unlike temperature and rainfall, it is not as clear how the frequency and intensity of storms impacting Ireland will change into the future.""

Maximum rainfall rates will rise here with high confidence. There is uncertainty over future wind speed increases, but storms are likely to become much more powerful, larger, and more destructive in a warmer world. 2024 was the hottest year on record globally and Ireland's temperature has increased by nearly 1.1C since 1900. Warmer waters and increased atmospheric moisture are adding fuel to storms. Sea level rise will increase storm surges and coastal flood risk during severe weather. Rainfall during the 2023/24 storm season was about 20pc more intense and ten times more likely. A wet period from October 2023 to March 2024 was made four times more likely and about 15pc wetter. Forecasters are advised to be cautious linking individual events to climate change while the risk of compound climate events is growing.

Read at Irish Independent