The University of Reading says it is coming in the form of atmospheric rivers - narrow bands of atmospheric moisture, thousands of kilometres long, transported by the wind.

BBC: Floods: how much can new barriers help?

This is the height of tornado season across much of the American Midwest, when the changing seasons bring that peculiar mix of moisture, hot and cold temperatures and varying atmospheric pressure that creates a funnel of death.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Path of Destruction

Bolstered by increasing soil moisture, longer growing seasons, warmer winters, and the fertilizing effects of more atmospheric carbon dioxide, crop production continues its long and impressive run of ever-increasing yields as global temperatures warm.

FORBES: Fortified By Global Warming, Crop Production Keeps Breaking Records