Jul 21, 2025 - News
Why flash floods are becoming more common
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Storms sweeping through the U.S. this summer have dumped intense rain on cities nationwide, leaving towns flood-ravaged and forcing water rescues.
The big picture: Scientists who spoke to Axios say the deadly floods in Texas underscore the risk that climate change can worsen extreme rainfall events.
Context: Climate change "is supercharging the water cycle," sparking heavier precipitation extremes and related flood risks, according to Climate Central, a climate research group.
- Among 144 U.S. cities analyzed by the group in a report from earlier this year, 88% experienced an increase in hourly rainfall intensity between 1970 and 2024.
- Des Moines experienced a 21% increase during that period.