A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has created accessible maps for colorblind scientists in the weather radar community. The new colormaps, developed using Python programming tools, highlight important characteristics of clouds and precipitation while being CVD-friendly.
A new study reveals that climate models exhibit pronounced biases in simulating the global monsoon, with the dry and wet biases found in earlier models persisting. However, CMIP6 models show significant improvements over CMIP5, attributed to reduced dry biases and better representation of energy transport.
A recent study by Stockholm University reveals that warming temperatures can speed up carbon dioxide emissions from ecosystems, but only if the environment is sufficiently moist. This finding highlights the critical role of water in the feedback loop between temperature and ecosystem metabolism.
The removal of toxic barium and sulfide from seawater led to a more hospitable environment for early animals, enabling rapid diversification. By 521 Ma, the majority of the protected basin's barium reservoir had been scavenged, coinciding with an increase in animal diversity.
Research on wind farms reveals their potential to slow tropical cyclone winds and reduce precipitation. Additionally, a study found that people experiencing homelessness are four times more likely to suffer temperature-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, than the general population.
A new study finds that human-induced climate warming has driven increasing precipitation variability over much of the globe, with hotspots in Europe, Australia, and eastern North America. The amplified variability poses significant threats to climate resilience, infrastructure development, agriculture, and ecosystems.
A new study led by Okayama University investigates the influence of precipitation radiative effects (REP) on climate models. It found that REP affects global and regional hydrological cycles, altering atmospheric circulation and surface temperatures, particularly in polar regions.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
China's 2023 annual temperature was the highest on record, with a warm-dry climate featuring record-breaking heatwaves and severe droughts. The country experienced heavy precipitation events and floods despite lower overall rainfall and fewer rainy days.
The Amazon rainforest, a crucial carbon sink, may experience reduced precipitation due to increased CO2 concentrations, leading to higher tree mortality rates and forest shrinkage. A recent study found that rainy season precipitation in the Amazon is irreversible under a CO2 removal scenario, putting the region at risk of drought.
Researchers used a weather model to pinpoint the source of wintertime precipitation in Arizona, finding it comes from a central Pacific moisture source rather than El Niño/La Niña events. The study's findings could improve seasonal precipitation forecasts for the region and potentially other areas globally.
A new study reveals that the East Palestine train accident released inorganic pollutants into the atmosphere, which were found in precipitation across a large geographical area covering at least 16 states. The pollutants also reached southern Canada and North Carolina, posing significant risks to aquatic flora and fauna.
Researchers investigated the northward shift of the ancient Silk Road in arid NW China, finding that low temperature and reduced precipitation led to water shortage, triggering a shift to more abundant and stable water resources. A warm climate during ~600-850 AD prevented this shift due to geopolitical conflicts.
Scientists have found that declining snowfall is boosting chances of water shortages in the summer, as seasonal flows are changing. This change in seasonal patterns affects ecosystem health, food security, and hydropower generation.
Researchers identified three distinct spatial types of summer extreme precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau, each influenced by unique atmospheric circulation patterns and precursor anomalies. The study provides a more robust foundation for predicting extreme precipitation events during the summer season in this region.
A study published by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics predicts significant economic impacts on provinces like Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong due to increased heavy precipitation and droughts. The region's GDP is expected to be hardest hit under certain climate change scenarios, emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies.
Researchers found that PFAS are introduced into the Great Lakes through precipitation and accumulate at different rates in each lake. The northern lakes are accumulating PFAS, while Lake Ontario is eliminating them. This study could inform future actions to mitigate PFAS presence in the Great Lakes.
Research team finds chorus waves suppress ECH waves, leading to dominant role in diffuse auroral precipitation. Chorus waves' effect confirmed through simulations and Japan's Arase satellite data.
A study found that heavy snowfall and rain contribute to earthquake swarms in northern Japan by altering underground pressure. Climate conditions are linked to seismic activity, with the timing of intense precipitation events correlating with the start of quakes.
A new modeling study from CIRES researchers finds that precipitation will likely dictate the flow of the Colorado River for the next 25 years, offering hope for a more favorable future. However, there is still a risk of historically low flows, with a 4% chance of a decline in Lee Ferry flows over the next quarter century.
Researchers found isolated deep convection (IDCs) mainly concentrate in the southern Tibetan Plateau, with an average of 54.2 IDCs per rainy season. IDCs contribute up to 70% of extreme precipitation in July and August, highlighting their significant role in regional weather patterns.
A recent study suggests that global natural vegetations commonly match with their ecotopes, influenced by varying climate. Drastic fluctuations of temperature and precipitation may result in remarkable conversions among natural vegetations, especially in northern latitudes and high elevations.
Researchers analyzed over 3,500 river basins worldwide, finding that precipitation was the sole determining factor in only 25% of flood events. Soil moisture and air temperature were decisive factors in around 10% and 3% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that more extreme floods are caused by multiple factors interacting.
Researchers reconstructed spatiotemporal variations of rainy season precipitation on the Tibetan Plateau, identifying four distinct patterns and linking them to Westerly winds and monsoons. The study provides natural background support for understanding the coupling between these factors.
Researchers develop hypothetical extreme flooding scenarios by shifting precipitation events, showing regions previously spared could have been hit hard. The approach aims to motivate society to prepare for exceptional flooding events in a warming world.
Researchers make important breakthroughs in understanding water vapor transport and heavy precipitation around the Grand Canyon, shedding light on its impact on the Tibetan Plateau. The study reveals a dry bias in satellite data and highlights the need for calibration.
A recent study found persistent increases in precipitation throughout the 21st century, with significant variability among climate models. The study identified the vertical thermodynamic component as a major driver of this variability, with a weak effect from the vertical dynamical term.
A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...
A recent Harvard University study found that soil moisture increased across 57% of the US during summer between 2011-2020, contradicting the assumption that rising temperatures lead to drier soils. Precipitation, rather than temperature, is the primary driver of soil moisture trends.
A new study by Flinders University and Argentinian researchers found similarities between long-term climatic changes in South Australia and temperate agricultural areas in Argentina. The research highlights an increase in maximum and minimum temperatures, less precipitation, and more intense droughts and heatwaves.
Researchers reconstructed temperature and precipitation patterns for 200 BC to 600 AD, finding a link between climate change and three major pandemics. The study used high-resolution regional climate records and glass particle analyses to confirm the causal relationship.
The FengYun 3G (FY-3G) satellite is a groundbreaking tool for measuring global precipitation, offering high-resolution 3D renditions of falling precipitation. The satellite's data will aid in predicting extreme weather events and inform the development of future precipitation satellites.
Researchers successfully mapped intricate patterns of extreme drought and wetness in Guangdong, China employing a novel approach integrating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data with precipitation records. The study revealed a clear seasonal pattern in precipitation efficiency, with fluctuations between 10 to 25% annually.
A research team developed novel graph neural network models that improve precipitation forecasting skills by coupling physical variables, revealing a significant improvement over traditional numerical models. The models demonstrated superior consistency and forecasting skills, especially for heavy rainfall events.
Rising temperatures caused by climate change will impact southern Africa's remaining black and white rhinoceros populations, scientists report. The region's diverse national parks will struggle to adapt to increasing heat, with some species facing extinction due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
By combining stalagmite analysis with tree-ring records, researchers have gained new insights into short-term climate fluctuations over centuries. The study reveals regional as well as global environmental events, including the Little Ice Age and the 'Year Without a Summer', providing valuable information on long-term climate patterns.
Researchers found a delayed influence of Tibetan plateau's spring heat source on Northeast China's summer precipitation. Soil moisture plays a crucial role in this process, facilitating increased rainfall in the Yellow River basin and North China.
Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.
A team from the University of Utah found that snowflakes' accelerations follow an exponential distribution with a consistent exponent, regardless of turbulence or type. This discovery has significant implications for storm forecasting and understanding climate change.
A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.
The researchers developed an AI-based generative neural network called GAN that can generate highly resolved radar precipitation films from coarsely resolved maps. This higher resolution is required to better forecast heavy local precipitation and the resulting natural disasters in future.
A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.
A research team developed a multi-model projection system using the self-calibrating Effective Drought Index to predict drought and recommend cumulative precipitation for recovery. The required rainfall for drought recovery was estimated at 170 mm, 310 mm, and 440 mm for March, April, and May respectively.
A new study reveals a disturbing trend of increased short-duration extreme precipitation over mountainous regions in Southwest China, exacerbating climate change impacts. The research finds that these events are more frequent and intense than total precipitation, posing significant risks to lives and ecosystems.
Mei-yu precipitation has become more unstable and extreme due to global warming, leading to increased days without rainfall and intense rainfall events. The research suggests that decreased relative humidity and stronger water vapor transport contribute to these changes.
A joint research team demonstrates that tectonics, not large climatic fluctuations, caused the emergence of the modern global monsoon from Pangea's megamonsoon. Continental area and fragmentation drive land-monsoon area and intensity respectively.
A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that global precipitation patterns, particularly seasonal variability, shape animal diversity. The research found that certain regions with moderate precipitation levels and stable climates have the ideal ecological conditions for a diverse range of predators and herbivores.
Researchers predict a shift from drying to wetting in the Himalayan region due to reduced anthropogenic aerosol emissions, with climate model simulations suggesting increased precipitation throughout High Mountain Asia by the 2040s. This change is primarily driven by human-induced factors, rather than natural variability.
A new isotope database has been created to provide a baseline for hydrological, ecological, archeological and paleoclimate studies in Mexico. The database includes 608 monthly rain samples from 21 monitoring stations across the country.
Chinese scientists used a consistent framework to evaluate five multi-model ensemble-processing strategies, finding that more elaborate methods outperform simple ones and provide reasonably consistent projections. The Climate model Weighting by Independence and Performance (ClimWIP) method was identified as optimal for simulating curre...
Scientists found that diatoms like Skeletonema costatum can induce aragonite precipitation at lower supersaturation levels. This process enhances organic carbon sinking and increases the biological carbon pump's efficiency.
Climate models project a weakening relationship between the Asian-Pacific Oscillation and winter precipitation in southern China. The study found that as the APO weakens, atmospheric circulation anomalies become unfavorable for precipitation in southern China.
Researchers found that BSISO types affect YRV precipitation occurrence frequency and duration, but mechanisms vary across types. High-resolution reanalysis datasets were used to analyze impacts of three BSISO types on summer precipitation.
A deep learning approach has unveiled a significant change in the characteristics of global daily precipitation for the first time. The research found that on more than 50% of all days, there was a clear deviation from natural variability in the daily precipitation pattern since 2015.
A team of researchers from UC Davis has developed a tool that can predict which forests are likely to survive or die after a drought. By analyzing changes in precipitation, soil moisture, and temperature, the tool links these factors to tree growth and carbon reserves.
Scientists have analyzed satellite data to better understand the pre-monsoon season's microphysical features, including larger rain droplets and more heavy ice precipitation on land. Their findings could improve weather prediction and mitigate damage from adverse climate events.
A study across five Nordic cities finds diverse microbial exposure inversely linked to risk of asthma and atopy development. Protective 'farm-like' microbiota associated with lower asthma risk exhibited higher abundance of outdoor-associated bacterial taxa, which are less prevalent in homes with high precipitation.
A Washington State University-led study found that dry lightning can cause wildfires despite up to 7.7 mm of precipitation, posing a risk for responders to detect fires earlier. The research analyzed data on over 4,600 naturally caused fires and found holdover fires, which can smolder for days before exploding into full-blown wildfires.
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.