A climatologist finds that the frequency of Category 4+ hurricanes has increased from 2 per decade in 1980 to 5 per decade in 2020. What is the average annual rate of increase in frequency over this 40-year period?

Tue, 05 May 2026 19:54:35 +0000

**What Is the Average Annual Rate of Increase in Category 4+ Hurricanes Over the Past 40 Years?** Curious about rising storms and shifting climate patterns? Recent research highlights a meaningful increase in Category 4+ hurricanes—from 2 per decade in 1980 to 5 per decade in 2020—sparking attention across scientific and public discourse. As extreme weather events grow more frequent, understanding the pace of this change reveals critical insights into long-term climate trends. But how exactly has this frequency risen over the last 40 years? And what does this mean for communities, emergency planning, and future risk? --- ### Why Is This Trend Gaining Attention in the US?