How did Hurricane Melissa impact the Caribbean?

Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm, caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean, leaving dozens dead and billions in damage.

What role did climate change play in Hurricane Melissa?

Experts say climate change is to blame, with the storm being 10% stronger and 4 times more likely due to global warming. The frequency of extreme hurricane rainfall has also jumped 300% in the last 4 decades.

How are vulnerable countries like Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa?

Jamaica, which contributes only 0.02% to global carbon emissions, faces billions in rebuilding costs and could take over a decade to recover from the "unprecedented catastrophe" caused by Melissa.

Home / Weather / Climate Change Supercharges Hurricane Melissa's Deadly Rampage Across Caribbean

Climate Change Supercharges Hurricane Melissa's Deadly Rampage Across Caribbean

1 Nov

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Summary

Hurricane Melissa devastates Caribbean with 185mph winds
Extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change
Melissa was 10% stronger and 4 times more likely due to global warming

Climate Change Supercharges Hurricane Melissa's Deadly Rampage Across Caribbean

On November 1st, 2025, the Caribbean region was devastated by the catastrophic landfall of Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm that packed winds of up to 185mph. The hurricane laid waste to anything in its path as it made its way through Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Bahamas.

Dozens of people have died and billions of dollars worth of damage has been caused by the powerful storm. However, experts warn that this may be just the beginning, as climate change is fueling the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events.

A recent report found that the frequency of extreme hurricane rainfall has jumped by 300% over the last four decades. Severe hurricane rainfall that used to occur only once every 100 years is now expected to happen every 25 years. "These are no longer rare events," the report cautioned. "They will happen with greater frequency and severity. It's our new normal."