Climate change is disrupting the water cycle, making droughts more severe and storms more powerful, researchers say. As global temperatures rise, water is evaporating lower in the atmosphere and at a faster rate. In some areas, this makes for wetter, more severe storms like Hurricane Ian, that can result in disastrous flooding. But, for drought-stricken regions, it's the opposite -- accelerated evaporation can make arid conditions even drier. In fact according to a new study four in five cities are at greater risk of heat waves, floods and droughts.

Why This Matters

When heavy rains and flooding come on the heels of a drought, the consequences can be catastrophic. Dry conditions spark wildfires and destroy vegetation, making hills prone to landslides when the water comes. On flat ground, the dusty earth gets packed hard, and becomes impermeable to floodwater that might have otherwise been absorbed. In turn, the deluge is made bigger and more severe.

Climate change has already made both floods and droughts 200% more likely, worldwide, with tragic consequences. California is suffering its driest three years on record, and its residents are suffering the consequences -- one small town near the San Joaquin Valley, Coalinga, could run out of water within two months. In Iraq, severe drought has proved just as devastating, forcing 1,200 families to relocate after the unbearably dry conditions threatened their buffalo, which many depend on to survive. US foreign policy plans now list water security as an official priority.

Let The Water Run

For cities, bracing against increased flooding is not easy or cheap. In Birmingham, Alabama crews have made 86 water rescues this year alone, as the region suffered a series of floods. The city, though, says it cannot afford the $500 million infrastructure improvements that could prevent damage from future storms.

Still, spending money upfront to prevent flood damage could pay off in the long run. In Kentucky, state officials approved $212 million dollars for flood relief efforts following July’s flood, and in West Virginia, FEMA provided residents with $4.2 in emergency flood relief funds. Both states have had flood mitigation plans ready-to-go for years, but officials have yet to implement them.