Extreme precipitation events have increased in frequency and intensity in the U.S. and across many regions of the world since the 1950s. These events are defined as instances in which the amount of rain or snow experienced in a location substantially exceeds what is normal. In the contiguous United States, annual precipitation has increased at a rate of .2 inches per decade since 1901, with extreme precipitation events outpacing this trend. The Midwest and Northeast have experienced the strongest increases in heavy precipitation events. Show
Scientists expect these trends to continue as the planet warms. For each degree Celsius of warming, the air’s capacity for water vapor goes up by about 7 percent. An atmosphere with more moisture can produce more intense precipitation events, which is exactly what has been observed. Increases in heavy precipitation may not always lead to an increase in total precipitation over a season or over the year. Some climate models project a decrease in moderate rainfall and an increase in the length of dry periods, which offsets the increased precipitation occurring during heavy events. However, the combination of more intense precipitation and an increased frequency of extreme events can lead to changes in overall precipitation levels. Threats posed by heavy precipitationThe most immediate impact of heavy precipitation is the potential of flooding. This risk can be heightened in urban areas where non-permeable pavement forces water to quickly run off into sewer systems. Excessive precipitation can also degrade water quality, harming human health, aquatic ecosystems, and fishery operations. Stormwater runoff, which often includes pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, nitrogen, and phosphorus, can end up in lakes, streams, and bays. This is an issue especially in the many cities in the United States that use a combined sewer system, where both stormwater and wastewater are mixed, treated, and released. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm such systems, sending excess stormwater, wastewater, and untreated sewage directly into bodies of water. In addition to flooding, heavy precipitation also increases the risk of landslides. This occurs when above-normal precipitation raises the water table and saturates the ground, causing slopes to lose their stability. Washington state, which has a particularly high risk of landslides due to its terrain, anticipates they will become more frequent as a result of climate change-induced increases in heavy downpours. Recent disasters caused by extreme precipitation include:
How to Build ResilienceIn order to reduce the likelihood of extreme precipitation events from occurring, it is critical to address greenhouse gas emissions that are driving it by reducing fossil fuel use and taking other emissions reductions actions. Simultaneously, communities can build resilience against the damaging effects of extreme precipitation by:
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