Jakarta – A study recently published in Nature has revealed a significant increase in heavy rainfall across Austria over the last four decades, intensifying flood risks—especially in smaller river catchments. The research used detailed data collected in Austria over more than a century — but it can also be applied to other regions of the world, Science Daily said on March 12.
Researchers found that daily heavy rainfall has risen by 8%, based on data from 883 weather stations spanning from 1900 to 2023. The analysis also showed that short-term precipitation events lasting only a few hours have increased significantly in the last 30-40 years — by about 15%. “This had already been predicted by climate models, albeit with uncertainties. We have now been able to confirm it,” says Prof. Günter Blöschl of Vienna University of Technology, who led the research project.
The study attributes the increase in short-duration rainfall to rising temperatures, with a 7% rise in hourly heavy rainfall per 1°C of warming. Meanwhile, changes in daily rainfall are linked more to atmospheric circulation patterns rather than temperature.
Flood data aligns closely with these rainfall trends. Large river catchments have experienced an 8% flood increase, while smaller catchments—more sensitive to short bursts of intense rain—have seen a 25% rise in flooding. The findings suggest that climate adaptation efforts should prioritize flood management in smaller rivers at greater risk of extreme events.
These results reinforce concerns that climate change is intensifying extreme weather, making flood preparedness an urgent priority for policymakers and communities alike. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Genaro Servín (pexels.com)
