1 week ago

Climate Change Makes Extreme Weather A Global Norm

The upside down world: How climate change has made extreme weather the global norm · livemint.com

Scientists studied weather records and computer models from Northeast India.

They looked closely at heavy rain during the monsoon season.

The region may receive less rain overall as the climate gets warmer.

However, individual rainstorms can become much stronger.

The study examined a world that is 1.4°C warmer than before industrialization.

It found a 67% chance of rainfall like that which caused the floods.

Events of this kind may happen about once every 1.5 years.

That means the floods were not necessarily impossible to predict or prepare for.

Key facts

Climate scenario: The analysis considered a world 1.4°C warmer than the pre-industrial era.
Average rainfall trend: Mean monsoon rainfall in Northeast India is expected to decrease.
Extreme rainfall trend: The intensity of isolated rain events is expected to increase.
Rainfall likelihood: The rainfall amount that led to the floods had a 67% chance under the study’s conditions.
Expected frequency: Similar rainfall events may occur every 1.5 years in the region.
Data analyzed: The team used climate models, existing studies and historical weather data, including records from the India Meteorological Department.
Rainfall periods: The study examined three-day maximum rainfall in June-August and 30-day maximum rainfall patterns during June-September.

livemint.com · 1 week ago