What happens to hurricanes when they move over land or cooler water?

When hurricanes move over land or cooler water, they lose strength due to the loss of their primary energy source, which is warm, moist air. Over warm ocean waters, hurricanes draw heat and moisture from the surface, allowing them to grow and intensify. Upon making landfall, they encounter friction and lack the warm moisture that fuels their development, leading to a reduction in wind speeds and overall intensity.

Additionally, cooler water lacks the energy needed to sustain the hurricane's structure and circulation. As a result, a hurricane typically weakens significantly when it moves over land or into cooler waters, which disrupts the atmospheric conditions that support strong storm systems. This understanding is crucial for predicting the behavior and potential impacts of hurricanes as they approach coastal areas.