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.

For three storms, including this month's Rafael, the climate change factor goosed wind speed so much that the winds increased by two storm categories.