CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Wednesday had a dry start to the day but some showers are moving through, and western Mass. residents did see some rain earlier this week. Warmer air is capable of holding more moisture and that leads to heavier rain. According to Climate Central, climate change has been causing rainfall rates to increase across the country. ‘Double sunrise’ will be visible this weekend in Massachusetts "Since just 1970, 88 percent of annualized cities have seen an increase in hourly intensity, on average by about 15 percent higher than it would have been in a world without human added carbon pollution," said Climate Central Meterologist Shel Winkley. Climate Central found that rainfall rates increased in 126 of the cities they analyzed. Here in the Springfield area, from 1970 to 2024, the average rainfall intensity increased by 13 percent. For every one degree of warming, the air can hold hold 4 percent more moisture and that increases the chances for heavier downpours and also flash flooding. Heavier downpours here in the northeast have also increased by 60 percent since 1958. Local News Headlines Southwick police searching for vehicle connected to shoplifting Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators turns 50 What to look out for during termite season Tree pollen arriving as temperatures get warmer WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less