Intensified downpours predicted by German meteorological service.
In a groundbreaking development, a study named Klamex has provided direct evidence of changes in rainfall characteristics, shedding light on the urgent need for action to limit temperature rise and reduce the intensity of rainfall extremes.
Conducted by a joint project of several German authorities, including the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief, Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Regional Research, and German Weather Service, the study analysed rainfall data from 2001 to 2020.
The study findings suggest that in the future, there will be more frequent small-scale and intense heavy rain episodes instead of widespread persistent rain. This shift in rainfall patterns could have significant implications, particularly in urban regions where adaptation measures are needed to build infrastructure that can cushion the damage from heavy rain events.
The specific danger from heavy rain depends on local conditions, and deployments of emergency services like fire departments are more frequent in low-lying areas and heavily populated, sealed locations. The area affected by heavy rain is continuously growing, according to the study, and researchers expect short extreme heavy rain to become significantly larger in area.
Moreover, the intensity of short extreme heavy rain may also slightly increase. These climate projections indicate that the number of intense extreme weather events could continue to increase, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Tobias Fuchs, board member for climate and environment at the German Weather Service, emphasized the urgency of acting to limit temperature rise and reduce the intensity of rainfall extremes through climate protection measures. He stressed that it is crucial to adapt to these changing weather patterns to ensure the safety and well-being of communities.
However, it is important to note that the local authorities involved in the Klamex project investigation have not been specified in the search results. Despite this, the findings of the study serve as a stark reminder of the need for global cooperation in addressing climate change and its associated risks.
In conclusion, the Klamex study provides valuable insights into the changing nature of rainfall patterns and the need for urgent action to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events. By adopting adaptation measures and working together to limit temperature rise, we can help ensure a safer and more resilient future for all.
