Extreme Weather More Common Due To Global Warming

Scientists no longer speculate on whether global warming causes an increase in severe weather events. As proof, they have observed a higher frequency of extreme weather events, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change covered by The Guardian.

According to the study, extreme weather includes unusually scorching heatwaves on the one hand and unusually heavy storms and flooding on the other. Extreme heat events once limited to a single event every 1,000 days now take place four or five times as frequently, researchers say.

The increased incidence of extreme weather events means areas already suffering from weather-related difficulties may experience deeper, longer-lasting hardships. The study suggests that areas already experiencing poor crop yields may experience more extreme heat and drought while areas plagued with flooding from heavy rainfall could experience more.