The study examines the influence of urban development patterns on extreme rainfall occurrences in 1790 inland cities globally. It finds that cities with compact development patterns experience larger increases in extreme rainfall frequency over downtown compared to their rural surroundings, while cities with dispersed development patterns show diminished anomalies in extreme rainfall frequency. Convection-permitting simulations reveal that compact urban footprints lead to more pronounced urban-rural thermal contrasts and aerodynamic disturbances, which are responsible for the divergent rainfall responses. The results highlight the importance of urban planning and policy in mitigating climate-related hazards, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. The study also discusses the implications for sustainable urban development and the need for improved monitoring and forecasting capabilities.The study examines the influence of urban development patterns on extreme rainfall occurrences in 1790 inland cities globally. It finds that cities with compact development patterns experience larger increases in extreme rainfall frequency over downtown compared to their rural surroundings, while cities with dispersed development patterns show diminished anomalies in extreme rainfall frequency. Convection-permitting simulations reveal that compact urban footprints lead to more pronounced urban-rural thermal contrasts and aerodynamic disturbances, which are responsible for the divergent rainfall responses. The results highlight the importance of urban planning and policy in mitigating climate-related hazards, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. The study also discusses the implications for sustainable urban development and the need for improved monitoring and forecasting capabilities.