Final answer:
Hurricanes are hard to predict due to their complexity and ever-changing nature of weather patterns. Factors like atmospheric conditions, ocean depths, and land masses contribute to the unpredictability of a hurricane's path.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hurricanes are difficult to predict because they are complex systems influenced by multiple factors. One reason is the ever-changing nature of weather patterns, which can make it challenging to accurately track and forecast the path and intensity of a hurricane. Additionally, the interaction between the hurricane and various atmospheric and oceanic conditions can lead to uncertainties in predicting where the hurricane might strike.
For example, the presence of high-pressure systems and low-pressure troughs can steer hurricanes off their projected paths. The warm ocean waters, particularly those above 80°F, provide fuel for the hurricane's intensification. As the hurricane moves over land or interacts with cooler waters, its strength can weaken, further complicating the prediction of its track.
In addition to these natural factors, human-made structures such as mountains and coastlines can also play a role in shaping the path of a hurricane. For instance, coastal areas with irregular coastlines or barrier islands might experience more localized effects due to changes in wind patterns induced by these features.