Extreme Weather Events
Climate change has led to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, from heatwaves to hurricanes.
Key Statistics
Increase in Heatwave Days
0%
The number of heatwave days has increased by approximately 50% in many regions since 1950.
Heavy Rainfall Increase
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For each 1°C of warming, the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall events.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity
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The proportion of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has increased by approximately 5% per decade since the 1970s.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Scientific studies have established clear links between climate change and the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.
Types of Extreme Weather Events
Heatwaves
It is virtually certain that there has been increases in the intensity and duration of heatwaves and in the number of heatwave days at the global scale.
- • Heatwaves that once occurred every 50 years now occur every 10 years
- • By 2050, these events could occur every 1-2 years in many regions
- • Record-breaking temperatures are becoming more common
Heavy Rainfall & Flooding
The frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events have likely increased at the global scale over a majority of land regions.
- • Extreme precipitation events are becoming more frequent and intense
- • Flood risk is increasing in many urban areas
- • More frequent "rain bombs" - extremely intense, short-duration rainfall
Droughts
Future drought projections indicate substantial increases in drought hazard probability from 1.5°C to 2°C of warming.
- • Increased evaporation due to higher temperatures
- • Changes in precipitation patterns
- • Megadroughts becoming more likely in some regions
Tropical Cyclones
It is likely that the proportion of major tropical cyclone intensities and the frequency of rapid intensification events have both increased globally over the past 40 years.
- • More intense hurricanes with higher wind speeds
- • Increased rainfall during hurricane events
- • Slower movement, leading to prolonged impacts
Regional Trends and Projections
The impacts of extreme weather events vary significantly by region, with some areas experiencing more pronounced changes than others.
North America & Europe
- • Increased frequency of heatwaves
- • More heavy precipitation events
- • Higher risk of river floods
- • More intense wildfires in western regions
Asia
- • Rising monsoon-related heavy rainfall
- • Increased flood risk in many regions
- • More severe droughts in arid regions
- • Intensification of tropical cyclones
Africa
- • Increased droughts in many regions
- • More intense heatwaves
- • Significant impacts on agriculture
- • Water resource challenges
Arctic
- • Rapid ice melt
- • Increased marine heatwaves
- • Extreme temperature events
- • Warming at twice the global rate
Australia & Mediterranean
- • Increased droughts
- • More frequent and intense heatwaves
- • Higher fire risk
- • Changes in precipitation patterns
Small Island States
- • More intense tropical cyclones
- • Sea level rise compounding storm impacts
- • Coastal erosion and flooding
- • Threats to freshwater resources
Compound Events
Compound events occur when multiple climate hazards happen simultaneously or in close succession, amplifying their impacts beyond what would be expected from individual events.
Examples of Compound Events:
- Heat and Drought: Compound hot and dry conditions become more probable in nearly all land regions as global mean temperature increases, exacerbating wildfire risk.
- Flooding and Landslides: Heavy rainfall can trigger both flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
- Storm Surge and Heavy Rainfall: Tropical cyclones can cause both coastal flooding from storm surge and inland flooding from rainfall.
Projected Changes:
As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of compound events are projected to increase, with significant implications for risk management and adaptation.
Key Projections:
- • Increased frequency of concurrent heatwaves across different regions
- • More compound flooding events (coastal and riverine)
- • Higher probability of drought-heatwave combinations
- • Greater risk of cascading impacts across sectors