El Niño and global heating pushes water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere to record levels in August
Earth's atmosphere reached record levels of water vapour in August, driven by global heating and the El Niño climate pattern. Scientists warn that this increased moisture capacity significantly raises the risk of extreme rainfall and storm intensity.
Why it matters
Rising atmospheric water vapour is a direct indicator of climate change, signaling more frequent and severe weather disasters globally.
Lightning during a storm in Frankfurt, Germany. One climate scientist said rising water vapour levels could increase the risk of intense rainfall, including from cyclones, and give extra energy to storms. Photograph: Matías Basualdo/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Lightning during a storm in Frankfurt, Germany. One climate scientist said rising water vapour levels could increase the risk of intense rainfall, including from cyclones, and give extra energy to storms. Photograph: Matías Basualdo/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Environment El Niño and global heating pushes water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere to record levels in August Global heating contributes to record, with a warmer atmosphere able to hold more water, scientists say
Prefer the Guardian on Google The planet’s atmosphere held more water vapour in August than any other month on record, further increasing the risk of extreme heat and rainfall around the world, according to Europe’s climate change service.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in