KEY CONCEPTS

• Extreme rainfall patterns are changing due to climate change. Over the past 70 years, 79% (191) of the 242 stations analyzed recorded an increase in heavy rainfall.

• A warmer climate supercharges the water cycle, by causing more water to evaporate and allowing the atmosphere to hold more water vapor.

• Flood defense infrastructure can help to mitigate the risks of heavy rainfall, but reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the only way to stabilize both our climate and water cycle.

Images available with this release include: 
Local: Heavy Rain Trends
National: 1 day rainfall totals compared to average (1 inch, 2 inch and 3 inch)