Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands are the latest European countries to experience flash floods, after both Scotland and England suffered from extreme rainfall earlier this month. 

Flash floods have seemingly been making their way round Europe, with the sudden onset of adverse conditions causing problems for civilians and safety services alike.

The current flooding in Western Europe is so severe that over 100 people have died, with many more unaccounted for.

It's weather that we are not necessarily used to, and certainly not to such extreme levels.

So, what has caused the flash flooding in Europe and what does the future hold? Here's everything you need to know...

What is causing Europe's flash floods? 

Climate change is at the source of the problem.

Scientists have long been warning that human-induced climate change would lead to sudden outbreaks of extreme rainfall, like we have been experiencing. 

Flash flooding occurs when rain falls so fast that the ground cannot absorb it quickly enough, leading surface water. 

As a result, rivers fill up rapidly and burst their banks, leading to flooding. 

Heavy rain often follows heatwaves because during extended periods of hot weather, the air can hold more moisture. 

Rain falls when the clouds become too saturated with water and the more moisture in the air, the heavier the rain will be. 

Hot weather also causes the ground to dry up and become hard, making it more difficult to absorb water quickly. 

Why is it described as human-induced climate change? 

The world has been warming at a much faster rate since the industrial revolution of the 1800s and this is largely down to human activity. 

Human-induced climate change is exactly what it sounds like: it refers to the things we as a population are doing which ultimately harm our planet. 

Examples are burning fossil fuels, engine exhaust fumes and deforestation, which are all completely human led and would not occur naturally.

Can we expect more floods? 

Unfortunately, scientists have predicted that this is only the beginning of the flash flood predicament.  

Data from the Met Offic suggests that in 50 years, the UK alone will experience four heatwaves a year and twice the amount of flash flooding. 

What have scientists said about Europe's flash floods this year?

Even scientists are shocked by the scale of flash flooding in Germany this week, with the extreme levels of damage causing unease within the scientific community. 

The floods, which have killed at least 120 people and left many unaccounted for, have increased concerns that climate change could be making extreme weather even worse than predicted.