Global temperature increase to raise chance of heavy rainfall events, say scientists SECTIONS Last Updated: Jul 19, 2021, 10:12 AM IST Share Synopsis Scientists have long said that climate change will lead to heavier downpours. But determining its role in last week's relentless downpours will take at least several weeks to research, scientists said on Friday. Agencies In general the rising average global temperature - now about 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average - makes heavy rainfall more likely, according to scientists. The extreme rainfall causing deadly flooding across western Germany and Belgium has been so alarming, many across Europe are asking if climate change is to blame.