Hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean Basin are running on average a category stronger on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale than without climate change and its associated warming, a new study says.

A new study says human-caused climate change made Atlantic hurricanes about 18 mph stronger in the last six years.

Experts say that the worst effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton were exacerbated by climate change. Hurricanes may continue to strengthen over time, while the per-season quantity decreases. These storms are only one of many phenomena affected by climate change.

Climate change strengthened the maximum wind speeds of Atlantic hurricanes by an average of 18 mph during the past five years, a new study published Wednesday shows. Why it matters: The study is among the first to show a link between hotter ocean temperatures and stronger hurricane wind speeds.