Storm over hurricanes

While scientists and meteorologists continue to wage a contentious debate about the effects of global warming on hurricanes, a new study suggests that 50 years from now the Atlantic Basin will experience fewer of the intense storms.

Scientists at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted the research and claim that hurricane numbers could drop by 18 percent by 2060, reported National Geographic. According to the study, the increase in upper-level winds associated with global warming could actually stop hurricanes from forming.

The news may sound good for the Atlantic Basin, such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions, however, the scientists also claimed that the hurricanes that do form will pack a larger punch. Both winds and rainfall would increase by about 2 percent and 37 percent, respectively.