According to the study, the mountainous regions around the Himalayas and the Pacific Rim of North America and adjacent flood plains are likely to experience the greatest impact of extreme rainfall events.
The results focused only on the Northern Hemisphere due to the lack of observational data from below the equator. The authors say regions that will suffer the most should prepare “robust climate adaptation plans”.
“The design and construction of dams, highways, railways and other infrastructure must take this increase in rainfall into account if we are to ensure they are sustainable in a warming climate,” Ombadi said.
High-risk areas need to be either avoided entirely, or built with engineering solutions that can protect the communities that live there, he added.
