The severe storm system that has recently battered central and southeastern regions of the United States is indicative of broader climatic changes resulting in heightened rainfall across the eastern states. Data spanning from 1991 to 2020 provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates a notable rise in average rainfall in the eastern U.S. compared to the previous century, while western regions have seen a decline.
This east-west division aligns with climate models predicting that areas already experiencing wet conditions will become increasingly saturated, while dry regions will become drier as global temperatures rise. Although it's challenging to pinpoint climate change as the direct cause of specific storm events, scientists link warmer air to heavier rainfall because it can retain more moisture. This increasing precipitation amplifies the intensity of storms.
Global temperatures have been on a consistent upward trajectory, driven mainly by the combustion of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The World Meteorological Organization recently reported that the last decade has recorded the highest temperatures in almost 200 years.
Deanna Hence, a climate meteorologist and associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, noted that data trends indicate a systematic increase in the severity of heavy rainfall incidents. This alarming insight raises concerns about future storm patterns and the capabilities of communities to adapt to increasingly severe weather conditions.
This east-west division aligns with climate models predicting that areas already experiencing wet conditions will become increasingly saturated, while dry regions will become drier as global temperatures rise. Although it's challenging to pinpoint climate change as the direct cause of specific storm events, scientists link warmer air to heavier rainfall because it can retain more moisture. This increasing precipitation amplifies the intensity of storms.
Global temperatures have been on a consistent upward trajectory, driven mainly by the combustion of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The World Meteorological Organization recently reported that the last decade has recorded the highest temperatures in almost 200 years.
Deanna Hence, a climate meteorologist and associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, noted that data trends indicate a systematic increase in the severity of heavy rainfall incidents. This alarming insight raises concerns about future storm patterns and the capabilities of communities to adapt to increasingly severe weather conditions.
