Although monsoon rains are normal in the region, the rainfall events have become increasingly intense. Historical weather observations show an increasing trend of heavy rainfall in recent decades.
“The combination of heavy monsoon rains and climate change is deadly,” Sarah Kew, a climate scientist and lead author of the study, said in a statement.
The study shows that sea surface temperatures over the northern Indian Ocean were 0.2 degrees Celsius warmer than the historical average for 1991–2020, providing more heat and moisture for storms. Without the warming from fossil fuels, temperatures would have been around a degree lower, according to the study.
The researchers also note that the damaging effects of the torrential rains were exacerbated by extensive deforestation and rapid urbanization.
