New Climate Central study shows warmer temperatures are leading to heavier downpours

PORTLAND (WGME) -- Rainfall intensity in Maine is increasing due to warmer temperatures.

This means that heavier rain downpours lead to a higher flood risk for folks.

Climate Central, a non-profit organization of scientists and journalists, found that rainfall events in the northeast intensified by 60% over the last 60 years.

As rainfall intensity increases, so does the possibility of flash flooding.

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144 United States cities were analyzed by Climate Central since 1970. 126 cities, including Portland, Maine, experienced a change in intensity.

The average rainfall intensity rose by 16% in Portland.

This might not appear significant at first, but it matters in the long run.

Not only did Portland see an increase, but so did Concord, New Hampshire.

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Their increase was higher, a 21% increase.

For context, warmer air holds more moisture.

Every 1-degree increase equals 4% more water vapor.

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