From early summer drought to recent excessive rainfall - how do these extremes connect?

After a dry start to summer, we are making up for the lack of rainfall now with plenty of rain these past couple of weeks. This weekend was no different with pretty much everyone getting a good soaking.

Many areas saw more than an inch on Saturday alone with the greatest totals recorded in Starke County where they saw more than 3 inches.

The intense rainfall this month is a big change from what we saw for the first half of the summer.

June 1st through July 15th, the first half of the meteorological summer season, we were 1.25 inches below the average rainfall. Since July 16th, the beginning of the second half of summer, we have seen more than 7 inches of rain, just over 3 inches more than average.

This rain helped us catch up with drought conditions quickly and now most of Michiana is out of drought - but some have been dealing with flooding concerns. These weather extremes seem to be happening more frequently, but why?

Like many cases, these extremes can be linked to our changing climate.

Both exceptionally dry and wet weather are worsened by rising global temperatures. This is because warm air can hold more moisture.

When that moisture is held in the air for longer, we get longer stretches with little to no rainfall - but when that warm air eventually fills up with water vapor, the resulting rain is heavy and can lead to flash flooding. Cooler air allows for lighter, more frequent rain, helping curb drought and avoid flood concerns.