Increasing intensity of hurricanes - cyclical or due to global warming?

[Poiuyt]

I've seen evidence and theories advocating both, but I'm not an expert. What is the general consensus about the number and the intensity of hurricanes the last couple of years?

[Kolesar]

1. The heat of the tropical seas is what "fuels" the hurricanes

From what I recall, the oceans of the world have become one degree warmer, so one might expect hurricanes to become stronger and more frequent. I don't know if that is one degree Fahrenheit or Celsius, but in any case, the trend is not our friend.

[kestrel91316]

2. Both, in a way. I think the frequency is in large part cyclical, BUT

the intensity is directly fueled by the ocean temperature, so as the oceans warm, it gets easier for a Cat 4 or 5 to form, where previously it would have only been a 2 or 3.