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.

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

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.