Abstract
This study investigates trends in global tropical cyclone (TC) activity
from 1990–2020, a period where observational platforms are mostly
consistent. Several global TC metrics have decreased during this period,
with significant decreases in hurricanes and Accumulated Cyclone Energy
(ACE). Most of this decrease has been driven by significant downward
trends in the western North Pacific. Globally, short-lived named storms,
24-hr intensification periods of >=50 kt
day-1 and TC-related damage have increased
significantly. The increase in short-lived named storms is likely due to
technological improvements, while rapidly intensifying TC increases may
be fueled by higher potential intensity. Damage increases are largely
due to increased coastal assets. The decreasing trends in hurricane
numbers and global ACE are likely due to the trend towards a more La
Niña-like base state from 1990–2020, favoring TC activity in the North
Atlantic and suppressing TC activity in the eastern and western North
Pacific.