Frequency Of Wet-Hot Extreme Weather To Increase Due To Climate Change: Study

As the consequences of climate change continue to scare the world, scientists are warning of a concerning trend; the increasing frequency and severity of simultaneous rainfall and heat extremes. These events, known as wet-hot extremes, are poised to become more common and widespread than their dry-hot counterparts. A recent study published in the journal Earth's Future sheds light on this emerging climate phenomenon and its far-reaching implications.

Scientists have identified a crucial link between rising temperatures and the occurrence of wet-hot extremes. For every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the air's moisture-holding capacity expands by 6 to 7 per cent. This means that as the planet heats up due to global warming, hot and humid conditions become more conducive to rainfall.

In wet-hot extremes, hot and humid air holds an increased amount of moisture, making more water available for precipitation. However, this seemingly paradoxical combination can lead to devastating consequences. First, heat waves associated with these conditions dry out the soil, reducing its ability to absorb water. Subsequent rainfall struggles to penetrate the hardened ground, often running along the surface. This surface runoff contributes to flooding, and landslides, and can devastate crop yields.

The study's projections paint a concerning picture. Wet-hot extremes are expected to cover larger areas and be more severe than their dry-hot counterparts. Regions that are already grappling with climate-related challenges, such as South Africa, the Amazon, and parts of Europe, are anticipated to become drier. Conversely, areas including the eastern United States, eastern and southern Asia, Australia, and central Africa will receive more precipitation, further exacerbating wet-hot extremes.

These "compound climate extremes" are particularly worrisome because they disproportionately affect heavily populated areas prone to geologic hazards like landslides and mudflows. Additionally, many of these regions are major producers of the world's crops. The impact on agriculture, industry, and ecosystems is profound.

The devastating European floods of 2021 serve as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of wet-hot extremes. Record-high temperatures parched the soil, creating ideal conditions for massive landslides and flash floods when heavy rainfall finally arrived. Homes were swept away, and lives were lost.

In light of these findings, scientists emphasise the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies that account for wet and hot conditions. Overlooking the risk of compound wet-hot extremes could have unimaginable consequences for water, food, and energy security. Climate mitigation efforts must be coupled with proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems from the increasing threat of simultaneous rainfall and heat extremes.