Climate change is worsening European storms—but not disasters

In 10 Seconds? Human-caused climate change is worsening rainstorms in Europe. According to new research, it is slowing storms’ movement, so they will last longer over a single location.

What does it mean for the continent? An increased likelihood of floods. By the end of the century, slow-moving rainstorms will be up to 14 times more likely to strike Europe. What the researchers call “quasi-stationary” rainstorms are rare at the moment, with many severe storms forming when warm, wet air rises into colder, drier air. In the future, the European storms are likely to drop even more rain in single locations. This – according to the research team – could increase flooding beyond expectations from studies using only rainfall rates. Meanwhile, a commentary indicates expectations for increased numbers and intensities of windstorms in northern Europe.