(d) The oceans have taken in nearly all of the excess energy created by global warming, absorbing 93 per cent of the increase in the planet’s energy inventory from 1971–2010. Warm ocean temperatures are one of the key factors that strengthen hurricane development when overall conditions are conducive for their formation and growth. Hurricanes require high humidity, relatively constant winds at different altitudes and can occur when surface ocean temperatures exceed about 26°C. The rising of warm,moist air from the ocean helps to power the storm.