Is extreme weather caused by global warming?

Theoretically, when temperatures are warmer, there is more water vapor in the air, causing more frequent and heavier rain. The rise in the Earth’s surface temperature can also lead to evaporation that can exacerbate droughts.

Although scientists have long predicted global warming would worsen some extreme weather events, this cause and effect relationship continues to be studied. Scientists use attribution science to validate this relationship, applying computer models to evaluate which of multiple factors cause-specific weather events.

A study that was completed after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017 found that global warming had increased the precipitation levels leading to extreme rainfall. The study also indicated that global warming intensified the probability of large-scale hurricanes by at least three times. To conclude, there is enough scientific evidence suggest global warming influences extreme weather.