More than 3,000 flash flood warnings have been issued in the United States so far this year — the highest number on record, according to data from Iowa State University. A total of 3,040 warnings from the National Weather Service went out from Jan. 1 through July 15, according to figures compiled by the Iowa Environmental Mesonet, which collects and tracks data on precipitation, soil temperature and other environmental conditions. That’s more than any other year during that same time period since 1986, when the modern alert system was adopted. The new record portends a wetter and rainier future that experts say is likely because of climate change. Studies have shown that severe storms and extreme rainfall are both expected to occur more frequently in a warming world. A flash flood warning is issued by the National Weather Service when sudden and dangerous flooding is imminent or occurring.

Other flooding and climate change news:

• The Hill: Removing aging dams could help strengthen communities facing extreme weather: Report
• UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Blog: The impact of climate change on stormwater management