Climate scientists warn that climate change is driving increasingly frequent and intense heavy rainfall events across the United States, leading to deadly and damaging flash floods. Over the past month, states including Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have recorded unusually high rainfall and flash flooding, about a year after lethal floods swept through a central Texas children’s summer camp. Experts say warmer oceans and air are increasing evaporation and atmospheric water vapor, amplifying downpours. They add that many U.S. communities remain built for an outdated climate, with slow, underfunded infrastructure upgrades and limited restrictions on high‑risk development.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.