Important Facts for Climate Change: Precipitation

Definition

The amount of rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc. that falls from the sky measured in inches.

Numerator

Not Applicable

Denominator

Not Applicable

Why Is This Important?

Although they are more difficult to measure than temperature, precipitation patterns seem to be affected by climate change as well. The greatest effect is on the hydrological cycle rather than precipitation levels alone. As temperatures continue to increase, there will be more evaporation and consequently a greater amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. This increase in water vapor will produce higher-intensity precipitation events even if total precipitation levels in a specific area are decreasing (1). Intense precipitation events and the frequency at which they occur could also alter maximum and minimum levels of precipitation that are usually observed.