Flooding on a scale that devastated parts of England last year is set to become a common event across the UK in the next 75 years, new research has shown.
A Newcastle University study found that, across the UK, the amount of rain falling during one of these extreme events was likely to increase by up to 30% by 2080. This increase was most likely to occur in autumn, winter and spring, when the ground was already saturated, posing the biggest threat to flooding.
The research, published this week in the International Journal of Climatology, looks at changes to seasonal extreme rainfall across the UK by 2070-2100.
It examined seasonal rainfall data from 13 regional climate change models for nine regions across the UK, and used this to study the projected changes. Consistent with global warming, the team found that as the air became warmer and was able to hold more moisture, Britain would get wetter.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
