When It Rains, It Pours: Precipitation Flat as Intensity Rises
Total annual rainfall is not rising yet extreme rainfall events—hourly bursts and multi-inch deluges—are becoming more frequent and intense, according to a recent analysis by AccuWeather.
This means that flood risk, infrastructural strain and flash flooding potential are increasing—even in areas that might not have seen much change in their average rainfall totals.
“Our national composite of 44 climate zones across the contiguous U.S. shows no statistically significant upward trend in annual precipitation, year over year, while heavy-rainfall days and hourly extremes have increased since the mid-20th century,” said Steve Root, senior vice president of strategic initiatives, AccuWeather.
“Annual precipitation remains statistically flat in our national composite; the shift is toward event intensification,” Root explained.
“The intensity of rainfall is steadily increasing, especially in 2– to 4-inch amounts. The biggest increases have occurred over the past 20 to 30 years,” added Brett Anderson, senior meteorologist and climate expert, AccuWeather.
The phenomenon threatens communities in cities where infrastructure is aging, designed decades ago with lower expectations for storm intensity, the report noted. Culverts, storm drains, roadways, and retention basins are often undersized for the more intense storms of today.
Meanwhile, in agricultural zones, the stakes are also high, the report warned. Extreme rainfall can wash away topsoil, delay planting or drown emerging crops. “Extreme rainfall can wash away soil, flood fields and delay planting for weeks,” Anderson notes.
“Flood risk is far more sensitive to intensity and event clustering than annual totals; planning for totals alone underestimates today’s hazards,” Root emphasized.
“Greater intensity can raise costs,” Root added. “From infrastructure upgrades and insurance claims to some agricultural production risks—adding economic pressure across sectors.
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Intriguingly, as heavier U.S. rainfall becomes a growing concern, the Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet so far. As of mid-September 2025, the Atlantic had seen fewer named storms and hurricanes than climatologists predicted.
However, historically, a large share of Atlantic tropical activity occurs after the mid-September peak date. Currently, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring multiple hurricane systems in the Atlantic Basin.
“This analysis is a powerful reminder that flood risk isn’t just about living near the coast or a river,” said Summer Cole, Big ‘I’ Flood program manager. “As rainfall becomes more intense, even communities that haven’t historically experienced major flooding are vulnerable.”
“Agents need to have proactive conversations with clients about their exposure and the protection flood insurance can provide,” she added. “Helping clients understand that a standard homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage and ensuring they know affordable coverage options are available is key.”
Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.
