Scientists: Weather extremes consistent with global warming

USA Today: If you think the weather is getting more extreme, you're right — and global warming caused by human activity probably is the reason, according to a report released Thursday by a panel of government scientists. The report comes as the Midwest copes with record rainfall and catastrophic flooding.

There is strong evidence the increasing frequency of extreme rain, heat, drought and tropical storms is caused by global climate change, according to the report from the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. "Changes in some weather and climate extremes are attributable to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases," the study authors concluded.

The report is a synthesis of the latest research on extreme weather in the U.S. and comes after nearly six months that saw a record number of tornadoes, unusual winter warmth and record-setting precipitation in many regions….

During the late afternoon and early evening of April 3, 2004, this supercell thunderstorn dropped 2 inch-diameter hail over Chaparral, New Mexico, causing widespread damage. Photographed by Greg Lundeen, NOAA, Wikimedia Commons