Fact check: Meteorologists cannot control the weather

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and that intensification has started to spin the rumor mill.

Less than two weeks ago, Florida’s Gulf Coast was impacted by the major event of Hurricane Helene . Now, an even stronger Hurricane Milton is heading for the Sunshine State. This increase in extreme weather has brought some online to explore the idea that meteorologists are controlling the weather, which is simply not true.

The frequency and intensification of the storms in the southeast is a direct cause of global climate change . An increase in greenhouse gasses from carbon emissions is the root cause of the wild weather observed across the globe lately. The melting of sea surface ice and glaciers is increasing ocean heights and providing greater storm surges and warmer water that fuels bigger and stronger hurricanes.

The science of meteorology has improved greatly over the last 10 to 20 years. Weather data collection, observations, and imagery have improved. So too has the forecasting of major weather events. The KOIN 6 Weather Team is ‘ Portland’s Most Accurate Forecast ‘ by WeatherRate nine years in a row for not only the great forecasting skills of the meteorology team, but also the improvements seen in weather technology.

What about ‘cloud seeding’?

The argument over cloud seeding is a meteorological process in hopes of reflecting the sun’s heat with cloud coverage or decreasing the threat of drought. However, this process only gives an extra boost to the clouds, but it doesn’t control the pattern or really change much at all. The process of cloud seeding is also extremely controversial in the world of science. That’s due to the unknown impacts it might have on the environment or climatology of an area. So, it is not widely used and rarely done. Regardless, it still has no power over controlling the weather.

On the flip side, the amount of energy that a hurricane has is nearly impossible to measure. The winds alone release nearly 23 terajoules of energy. That storm strength far exceeds mankind’s ability or technological advancements exponentially.

Building forecast computer models and scientists’ ability to predict the weather with such accuracy is the only control humans have over the weather. Knowledge is the greatest strength mankind has when it comes to the power and fight against Mother Nature.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.