What is the relationship between ocean temperature and hurricane formation?

Warmer ocean temperatures can significantly influence hurricane intensity because warm water serves as the primary energy source for hurricanes. When sea surface temperatures rise, typically above 26.5 degrees Celsius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit), the conditions become more favorable for hurricanes to develop. This warm water provides the necessary heat and moisture for the storm, leading to stronger wind speeds and more intense storms.

As a hurricane forms and intensifies, it takes energy from the warm surface water, allowing it to sustain itself and grow. The process includes the evaporation of warm water, which then cools and condenses into clouds, releasing latent heat that fuels the storm. This relationship emphasizes that while ocean temperatures below a certain threshold might hinder or prevent hurricane formation, above that threshold, increased temperatures can enhance the storm's potential for greater intensity and severity.