A historic blizzard is forecast for Washington, D.C., while states from Texas to Florida experience severe weather due to a developing winter storm. Severe weather, including hail and at least one reported tornado, has been observed along the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Cyclone Corentin developed with intense showers dropping rain at rates of over 71 mm/hour in strong storms. NASA's GPM mission provided a 3D view of the storm, revealing heights of 13 km (8 miles) in its feeder band.
The National Hurricane Center has been monitoring System 90L, a low-pressure center producing winds of over 52 knots (60 mph) and heavy rainfall rates up to 94 mm/h. The system's strongest winds were observed southwest and southeast of the low pressure center.
NASA estimated rainfall over a 7-day period while analyzing satellite data from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, revealing extreme rain events affecting southern California. The analysis showed highest rainfall totals of over 4.5 inches in the eastern Pacific and 4 inches near Lake Tahoe.
Tropical Cyclone Ula formed on Dec 30 and intensified with rain rates exceeding 83.6 mm per hour, generating rough surf and dangerous coastal conditions for Fiji and American Samoa.
Sea spray from oceans sends aerosols into the atmosphere, affecting cloud formation and duration. The unique ice nucleating particles in sea spray initiate the formation of ice in clouds, impacting their composition.
A Dartmouth College-led study finds that melting sea ice will significantly increase Arctic precipitation, creating a climate feedback comparable to doubling global carbon dioxide. The researchers used isotopic compositions of precipitation to quantify the link between precipitation and sea ice change.
NASA used its Terra satellite to observe Melor after it weakened into a trough of low pressure. The storm spread moisture over Luzon, with light to moderate precipitation falling on the island.
Research reveals that grassland soil microbial communities exhibit seasonal responses to temperature and precipitation changes, with warming treatments having a limited impact. The study highlights the importance of long-term research to understand the effects of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
Super Typhoon Melor dropped heavy rainfall on the Philippines in December 2015, with the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite capturing its intensity. The GPM data showed that the storm's eye wall was producing intense storms with precipitation rates of over 86 mm/hour.
Tropical cyclone Bohale's powerful thunderstorms were dropping rain at a rate of over 77 mm per hour near its center of circulation. A 3-D image created using GPM data showed the structure of precipitation within the storm, with thunderstorm tops reaching heights above 16.6 km.
A new study found that tropical groundwater is replenished disproportionately from heavy rainfalls, making it a climate-resilient source of freshwater. The long-term viability of these resources relies on the replenishment of groundwater supplies.
Researchers found that most climate models underestimate the increase in absorption of sunlight by water vapor, leading to overestimation of global precipitation. The team's study suggests that improving radiation representation in models can lead to more accurate predictions of future precipitation change.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found extreme rainfall rates of over 266 mm/h in Typhoon In-fa, driven by powerful convective thunderstorms. The satellite's Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar instrument provided detailed insights into the storm's structure and intensity.
Data from NASA's GPM core satellite showed Tropical Storm In-fa becoming better organized over the previous 24 hours, with rainfall rates reaching up to 55 mm/h. The storm is expected to intensify through the weekend, bringing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
NASA is conducting a field campaign in the Pacific Northwest to verify rainfall and snowfall observations made by the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite mission. The region's frequent winter rain and snowfall make it an ideal location for studying precipitation patterns.
Tropical Cyclone Chapala recently dissipated over Yemen, but another storm is now forming in the Arabian Sea. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected this new system with scattered light to moderate rainfall falling at a rate of 23.3 mm per hour.
NASA analyzed rainfall data from Tropical Cyclone Chapala in the Arabian Sea, revealing light to moderate precipitation near its center. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds expected to reach 140 knots.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission tracked rainfall within Storm Olaf, revealing high storm tops and sparse rain on the western side. The post-tropical cyclone weakened over cooler waters, eventually dissipating by October 28, 2015.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission (GPM) analyzed rainfall rates in Category 4 Hurricane Olaf, with rain falling at over 71.5 mm/hour in the eye wall and 56.8 mm/hour in scattered rain bands on the western side.
Typhoon Champi remained a powerful storm after passing over NASA's GPM satellite on October 21, 2015. The storm displayed a large eye with heavy rainfall and high winds near 86mph.
Typhoon Champi generated heavy rainfall with rain rates exceeding 114.8 mm/h due to GPM's Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar. The storm's strongest winds were found in its northern quadrant, with winds reaching 89.4 mph.
Tropical Storm Koppu was analyzed by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which identified areas of intense thunderstorms dropping rain at over 88 mm/hour. The storm's energy release fueled potential intensification.
NASA satellites tracked Hurricane Joaquin's internal precipitation structure and heavy rainfall patterns, providing valuable data for forecasters. The storm reached Category 3 status on October 1, with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph and a minimum central pressure of 942 millibars.
Hurricane Joaquin strengthened into a hurricane after NASA satellites gathered data on its heavy rainfall and cloud height. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite captured images of the storm's intense rain and convective towers, indicating its potential for intensification.
A new University of Utah study found that climate change negatively impacts birth weight, particularly in African countries. Exposure to reduced precipitation and increased hot days results in lower birth weights, with effects seen as early as the first trimester.
GPM measured rainfall rates at 122 mm/h, revealing intense rain showers and storm tops reaching 15 km. The tropical depression turned northwest late on September 25, with expected weakening over the next two days.
The GPM mission satellite detected extremely high-altitude thunderstorms and heavy rainfall within Tropical Storm Ida. The storm's powerful convective storms reached altitudes above 17 km, indicating potential intensification.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission core satellite collected data on TD9's rainfall, revealing intense rain rates of 58.2 mm/hour and towering thunderstorms up to 14.9 km high. Tropical Depression Nine is expected to degenerate into a remnant low pressure area by Saturday, September 19.
A new report led by University of Arizona researchers reveals the Sierra Nevada snowpack was at its lowest level in 500 years in 2015, exacerbating California's ongoing drought. The study uses tree-ring data to compare snowpack levels with temperatures, finding a strong correlation between warmer winters and lower snowpack.
Tropical Storm Ignacio is weakening as it moves over colder Pacific waters, with the Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzing its precipitation patterns. The storm has decreased in intensity from a category four hurricane to a strong tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
Hurricane Jimena is classified as a category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph. The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite detected a double eye-wall structure with evidence of erosion, indicating decay and weakening of the storm's inner eyewall.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission saw intense rainfall near hurricane Loke's center, with measurements showing over 160 mm/h. The storm's top heights reached above 15.3 km, and it is forecast to accelerate toward the northwest before undergoing transition to an extra-tropical low.
Tropical Depression Kilo has recently become more energetic, with heavy rainfall rates of almost 65 mm/hour detected by NASA's GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar. The depression's storm tops were also found to be very tall, measuring over 15.4 km altitude.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission has detected heavy rainfall from Tropical Depression Kilo as it approaches Johnston Island. The tropical depression is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday, bringing strong winds and large surf to the area.
NASA's Aqua satellite and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite tracked Typhoon Goni as it affected the Philippines. The satellites provided detailed insights into the typhoon's inner eye wall, showing intense rainfall rates of over 88 inches in extreme areas.
Typhoon Atsani intensified with heavy rainfall rates exceeding 90 mm/h, reaching 16.8 km in height. NASA's GPM analysis predicts it will become a super-typhoon by August 20, posing a threat to the Pacific Ocean.
Researchers at University of Zurich predict up to 30% less precipitation in the Central Andes by 2100, exacerbating seasonal water shortages. The study suggests stronger westerly winds will lead to greater aridity, impacting the region's climate.
Typhoon Soudelor's heavy rainfall and powerful feeder bands were detected by NASA's GPM satellite, showing a strong impact on the storm's structure. The typhoon reached maximum sustained winds near 90 knots and is expected to intensify again before making landfall in Taiwan.
A NASA study reveals California's precipitation deficit between 2012 and 2015 was approximately 20 inches, largely due to a lack of atmospheric rivers. The state's water demand has increased exponentially, depleting reservoirs and groundwater reserves, exacerbating the drought.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite measured rainfall rates of up to 50 mm/h near the center of Tropical Depression 08E. The depression was forming over the Eastern Pacific Ocean when GPM flew overhead on July 27, 2015.
USF researchers found that storm surge, high rainfall, and rising sea levels contribute to devastating 'compound flooding' in coastal cities. Their analysis identified key mechanisms, including elevated water levels and moderate storm surges, which exacerbate flooding impacts.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission observed Typhoon Halola with rainfall rates of up to 40 mm/h near the southeastern side, while the northern side showed less than 10 mm/h. The storm's elongated shape and dry air's effect contributed to its weakening circulation.
The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite tracked Typhoon Halola's strengthening and intensification, revealing heavy rain rates of over 84 mm/h. The storm's tall thunderstorm towers reached heights of over 10.5 miles, releasing energy that can lead to intensification.
Researchers studied extreme precipitation events in coastal regions near warm seas and found a strong link between ocean warming and increased precipitation intensity. The Black Sea and eastern Mediterranean have warmed by about 2C since the early 1980s, leading to more frequent and intense convective storms.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found intense rainfall near the center of the tropical cyclone, with rates reaching over 78 mm per hour. The storm's center is expected to move close to Guam on July 4, bringing periods of heavy rainfall across the Marianas.
A University of Maryland study has found that extreme heat and precipitation events are associated with increased risk of Salmonella infections, particularly in coastal areas. The research team identified a disproportionate impact on coastal communities, highlighting the need for public health preparedness and response to climate change.
A study using NASA satellite data found that collecting rainwater for vegetable irrigation in India can reduce water bills by up to 4,522 rupees per year. This can provide a profit of between 1,548 and 3,261 rupees per year, boosting cost savings and increasing quality of life.
Researchers found that lower oxygen levels led to increased precipitation and warmer temperatures due to the resulting drop in atmospheric density. The study's findings suggest that changes in oxygen concentrations may help explain features of past climates not accounted for by variations in carbon dioxide levels.
The start of India's monsoon season was marked by increased rainfall in southern India, with data from NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission indicating above-average precipitation. Heavy showers dropped over 120 millimeters of rain in the week preceding June 8, 2015.
A new study reveals that the rise of the Rocky Mountains predisposed North American mammals to adapt to a cold, dry world during the Grande Coupure event. This led to better survival rates compared to European mammal species, which were overrun by Asian mammals already adapted to colder conditions.
NASA's Aqua and Global Precipitation Measurement mission core satellite tracked Tropical Storm Andres' intensification, revealing powerful convective storms near the center. The storm's rainfall rates reached over 60 mm per hour, and thunderstorms stretched up to 15 km high.
Researchers warn that Himalayan glaciers in the Everest region could experience dramatic change, with sustained ice loss likely through the 21st century. The study suggests that increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns will lead to reduced glacier growth and increased melt, impacting water availability and river flows.
Researchers analyzed a stalagmite's growth patterns to understand how precipitation above the cave varied over time. The study found that during El Niño Modoki events, localized storm events occurred, while in non-El Niño periods, water traveled farther before falling.
A new study shows that Colorado's extreme precipitation events can happen in any season and at all elevations across the state. The research found that high-elevation intense precipitation events have occurred in all months of the year, including summer, when that precipitation is more likely to be rain and therefore more of a flood risk.
A Dartmouth-led study examines the Midwest's agricultural output and global food security in relation to climate change. The research finds that the response of soil moisture and still fewer have assessed soil moisture using a combination of model simulations and regional observations.
Research found that weaker Indian summer monsoon and higher Atlantic sea surface temperatures cause dry/wet fluctuations in arid regions. The study defines the core zone of the 'westerlies-dominated climatic regime' and its controlling factors, enabling better prediction of moisture changes in China.
Severe thunderstorms swept through central Texas on April 26, 2015, generating heavy rainfall and large hail. The GPM Core Observatory satellite captured a 3D view of the storms, revealing some reaching altitudes above 7.7 miles.
A study found that combined sewer overflows can lead to a significant increase in emergency room visits for gastrointestinal illnesses, contaminating drinking water sources. The researchers analyzed data from three areas with combined sewer systems and found a 13% increase in ER visits after extreme precipitation events.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) has ended its 17-year mission, providing critical rainfall data for tropical cyclone monitoring, flood detection, drought monitoring, and disease monitoring. TRMM's legacy lives on through the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which succeeds and improves upon the TRMM project.