An intensification of 40% in only two decades means we must re-evaluate existing flood-control systems and standards. We also need to explore whether it is happening elsewhere or unique to Sydney.
The findings have major implications for Sydney's preparedness for flash flooding and associated impacts in the future.
What are rapid rain bursts? A rapid rain burst is a short period of extreme rain occurring over a duration of about 10 minutes.
Climate change will get only worse. Every year of delay makes it much harder to prevent the most dangerous climate projections becoming a reality.
Until we reach net-zero emissions globally, the planet will continue to warm and climate extremes will become more likely and more severe in many regions.
Extreme weather, such as the heavy rainfall battering eastern Australia, is like military conflict.
"Unfortunately, with our third La Niña in full swing and wet conditions likely to persist for at least the remainder of spring, flooding is more likely than normal."
As La Niña continues, we can expect more widespread heavy rain events. And since eastern Australia’s soils are saturated in many areas, there’s a renewed chance of flooding.
As these vital currents change, they will change the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people who live along the coasts of South Africa, Australia and Brazil.
Successive lean years caused by back-to-back La Niña events will hit both the survival rate and reproductive ability of these animals.