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Intense and rapid rainfall is on the rise. led by Environment Institute member alongside Dr David McInerney, , and Assoc Prof Michael Leonard, through the Goyder Institute for Water Research, assessed changes in high-intensity, short-duration rainfall events in ���˲�Ʊ.

Funded by the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, the research analysed decades of local data to evaluate how these critical events have changed over time.

Rainfall is set to become significantly more intense and rapid, based on events lasting between 10 minutes and an hour. Director of the Goyder Institute for Water Research, explains that the research shows we are likely to see “shorter downpours and less rainfall over longer periods.”

The future of rain will be characterised by short, intense bursts. However, the study also found that overall yearly rainfall is decreasing, meaning drought conditions are likely to become more frequent.

is vital to understanding and preparing for these changing rainfall patterns. By examining trends, authorities and planners can better prepare for future flood risks and improve stormwater management.

also aligns with recent updates to climate change guidance in the national guidelines for flood estimation, Australian Rainfall and Runoff. These changes will push planners to evaluate site-specific risks, follow national standards, and understand how rainfall changes will affect both existing and future stormwater systems.

“���˲�Ʊ, as well as other regions in South Australia and beyond, must think about how water is managed within urban and regional catchments and whether our systems can cope with the expected future changes in rainfall,” shares Dr Rolston.

combines local weather station data with modern rainfall radar technology and climate models to provide detailed insights.

Assoc Prof Mark Thyer, EI member and lead researcher of the study, explained that climate scientists have long predicted these changes in rainfall, meaning the ���˲�Ʊ region needs to prepare for more frequent floods and droughts in the future.

“This study shows we can now see these changes in rainfall observations in the ���˲�Ʊ region.”

“This research also confirms what people in the community have been saying – it rains less often, but when it does, the rain is much more intense, adding to the evidence that climate change is no longer a prediction of the future – it is happening now.”