By Elizabeth Zach, RCAC staff writer

According to some climate researchers, California may be at risk for flooding – or, as they call it, “precipitation whiplash,” whereby drought and extreme downpours alternate.

As reported in the Sacramento Bee, researchers present their findings in the most recent edition of the scientific journal Nature Climate Change. Among other things, they write that periods of rain and snow will be more concentrated throughout the year, instead of just occurring between October and April.

“The already distinct contrast between California’s long, dry summers and relatively brief, wet winters will probably become even more pronounced,” the scientists write.

The article also highlights flood risk stemming from climate change in California.

“In some circles the increasing risk of flood could have been overlooked to date,” said UCLA climatologist Daniel Swain, one of the article’s co-authors.

To read more, go here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/water-and-drought/article209325929.html