Source: U.S. National Weather Service
Figure 11.8 U.S. Weather Fatalities (average per year for 1986–2015)
Changes in Tropospheric Weather PatternsAir temperatures today average 5°F to 9°F (3°C to 5°C) warmer than they were
before the Industrial Revolution. Higher average air temperatures may result in
higher amounts of rainfall in many areas because of higher rates of evaporation
and may also be accompanied by an increase in the frequency or severity of
storms, increases in surface water and/or groundwater inputs, increases in
sedimentation in bodies of water, increases in flooding and associated water
runoff, and increases in the rate of aquifer recharge—all of which have a direct
impact on the biodiversity of the biota in an area.