See the Ocean Heat Fueling Hurricane Milton, in One Chart - The New York Times

When the seas are warm, more water evaporates at the surface. Storms drag this humid air aloft, where it condenses into clouds and rain. This releases heat that helps draw even more air skyward, allowing storms to strengthen and grow...

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/10/07/climate/gulf-mexico-ocean-temperature.html