Meteorologist John Morales on the verge of tears when talking about Hurricane Milton and climate change

• Meteorologist John Morales on the Verge of Tears
• In an Emotional Moment, He Talks About the Consequences of Hurricane Milton
• The Hurricane Could Impact Mexico

On October 7, 2024, John Morales, one of the most respected and renowned meteorologists in the United States, experienced an unusual moment in his career.

While reporting on Hurricane Milton during his NBC6 broadcast, the severity of the storm led him to a moment of deep emotion.

Hurricane Milton had lost 50 millibars of pressure in just ten hours, reaching sustained winds of 257 km/h, an alarming speed.

Morales, visibly moved, could barely contain himself as he described the phenomenon as “incredible… simply horrific.”

METEOROLOGIST JOHN MORALES NEARLY BREAKS DOWN DURING HIS BROADCAST

For a few seconds, his voice cracked, something unusual for a professional who had always been a beacon of calm.

However, the forces behind this hurricane surpassed anything he had ever witnessed.

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Hurricane Milton, moving over the Gulf of Mexico, was not only impressive for its speed and intensity but also because it was a clear sign of climate change.

Record ocean temperatures were fueling the phenomenon, making it more destructive.

Why Are These Natural Phenomena Happening?

Morales seized the opportunity to highlight this connection, and with an honesty rarely seen on television, he pointed out that global warming was the main factor behind the intensification of storms like Milton.

Later, Morales took to social media to express what his professionalism hadn’t allowed him to fully convey on air.

In his X account (formerly known as Twitter), he wrote: “Extreme weather driven by global warming has changed me. Frankly, YOU should be worried too and demand #ClimateActionNow.”

These words reflected a sense of urgency and desperation that went beyond his role as a meteorologist.

What Did John Morales Say About It?

John Morales, who had always been a defender of science and objectivity, now revealed a human and vulnerable side, feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the climate challenge.

Meanwhile, the state of Florida was once again facing the threat of another devastating hurricane.

Just two weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene had left deep scars in the region.

And now Milton, rapidly strengthening in the Gulf, was approaching with winds of 257 km/h and a storm surge that could reach up to 3.6 meters.

Growing Fear Over Hurricane Milton

Meteorologists estimated that Milton could lose some strength before reaching the coast, but it was still expected to hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, with the Tampa Bay area at risk.

During his broadcast, Morales couldn’t hide his concern for the immediate future.

«The waters are incredibly warm, at record levels,» he mentioned, explaining how these conditions were fueling the hurricane.

For the first time, his tone revealed the fear he personally felt about the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

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