Global Warming Intensifies Extreme Rain and Snow: Study

Xinhua/APP

Urumqi: A recent study has revealed how global warming has dramatically reshaped extreme rainfall and snowfall patterns across the Northern Hemisphere over the past seven decades.

The research, led by scientists from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Advances in Climate Change Research.

According to the findings, global warming has altered the distribution of both solid and liquid precipitation — leading to significant changes in the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall and snowfall events.

Using ERA5-Land reanalysis data covering the period from 1950 to 2022, researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of long-term trends, temperature sensitivity, and the driving mechanisms behind extreme rainfall and snowfall across the Northern Hemisphere.

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The study found that over the past seven decades, extreme rainfall has intensified at an average rate of 0.269 millimeters per year — almost nine times faster than the rate of increase for extreme snowfall, which rose by 0.029 millimeters per year.

The results further suggest that rising temperatures will primarily contribute to more intense rainfall, while having relatively limited effects on extreme snowfall.

“Extreme precipitation is a critical factor in risk management,” said Li Yupeng, the study’s first author. “Mid-latitude regions should prioritize managing flood risks driven by intensified rainfall, while high-latitude and alpine regions need to address hazard risks related to snow.”

Li added that the findings provide valuable insights into global extreme precipitation patterns and can help inform the design of region-specific climate adaptation and disaster prevention strategies.