ALFRED – An environmental advocacy group says Maine is experiencing extreme downpours and heavy snowstorms with greater frequency now than in the past.

In a report released Wednesday, Environment Maine says global warming is the reason behind the extreme weather.

The report, called “When It Rains, It Pours,” examines trends in the frequency of large rain and snow events across the continental U.S. from 1948 to 2006.

According to the report, Maine experienced a 43 percent increase in extreme rainstorms and snowstorms in the period studied.

The report was released in various states this week as part of a call by Environment Maine and other environmental groups for the Senate to strengthen the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security of 2007.