How did climate change impact Hurricane Melissa?

According to the analysis, climate change caused Hurricane Melissa to have 7% stronger winds and 16% more intense rainfall inside its eyewall, significantly increasing the storm's destructive power.

What was the economic toll of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean?

Experts estimate the climate change-driven increase in wind speed added over $1 billion in additional damages, a huge toll for countries with small economies like those in the Caribbean.

How have recent hurricanes affected the Caribbean region?

The destruction from Hurricane Melissa has compounded the recovery efforts in the Caribbean from last year's hurricanes Beryl and Oscar, making it harder for people to fully recover from these back-to-back climate-fueled disasters.

Home / Weather / Climate Change Fueled Hurricane Melissa's Destructive Rampage in the Caribbean

Climate Change Fueled Hurricane Melissa's Destructive Rampage in the Caribbean

6 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Hurricane Melissa had 7% stronger winds due to climate change
Rainfall inside Melissa's eyewall was 16% more intense
Melissa caused over $1 billion in additional damages

Climate Change Fueled Hurricane Melissa's Destructive Rampage in the Caribbean

According to a scientific analysis released on November 6th, 2025, Hurricane Melissa's destructive path through the Caribbean last month was exacerbated by climate change. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution group found that the storm had 7% stronger wind speeds and 16% more intense rainfall inside its eyewall compared to a similar hurricane in a non-warmed world.

Melissa made landfall as a powerful Category 5 storm in Jamaica on October 28th, collapsing buildings and knocking out internet access across the island. It then continued on to Cuba as a Category 3 storm, forcing hundreds to evacuate, and pummeled Haiti with catastrophic flooding. Dozens have died in the hard-hit areas.