Subscribe now

Environment

Climate change made extreme floods in Germany and Belgium more likely

By Layal Liverpool

16 July 2021

flooding

Flooding in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Action Press/Shutterstock

The weather events that are thought to have contributed to extreme floods in western Europe are becoming more likely due to climate change, according to climate and meteorology researchers.

A combination of extremely heavy rainfall and a slow-moving storm front most likely contributed to the flooding, which has killed at least 120 people in Germany and Belgium, and has also affected the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland. “It’s come from very moist air in the atmosphere wrapping around an almost stationary front,” says Hayley Fowler at …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account