New research predicts a significant rise in the frequency and intensity of powerful storms in Europe and North America due to climate change. The study, led by Dr. Matt Hawcroft, projects a threefold increase in extreme precipitation events by the end of the century.
Researchers analyzed data from over 185 ground stations and found that half of the world's measured precipitation falls within a 12-day period, set to become even more skewed under climate change. This uneven distribution could lead to increased flooding and damage associated with extreme weather events.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided detailed insights into Tropical Cyclone Alcide's heavy rainfall, revealing convective storms dropping rain at rates of over 255 mm/h. The satellite data showed the most powerful storms were located in the western eye wall, reaching heights above 16 km.
A reanalysis of worldwide annual precipitation trends reveals overlooked risks to human and environmental systems, affecting nearly 40% of the global population and 44% of land areas. The study highlights significant regional variations in precipitation risk and variability, emphasizing the need for more accurate risk assessments.
A new study analyzing one million years of precipitation history has found that the South Asian Monsoon is more complex than previously thought. The research team discovered that warming in the southern hemisphere and moisture transport across the equator play a crucial role in the monsoon's wind and precipitation patterns.
Tropical cyclone Alcide formed in the South Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar, prompting NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission to analyze its rainfall. GPM's data revealed strong convective storms dropping rain at a rate of over 44 mm/hour, with measurements of precipitation heights made possible by DPR Ku Band radar.
Scientists have reconstructed the monsoon's precipitation history over the past 1 million years using sediment cores from the eastern Indian Ocean. The results show that the monsoon was weaker during peak ice ages and strongest during interglacial warm periods, with fluctuations in the Earth's axis inclination playing a subordinate role.
Tropical Storm Xavier weakened to a remnant low pressure area on Nov 6, 2018, with strong southwesterly vertical wind shear observed. The GPM core satellite analyzed the storm's precipitation structure, revealing powerful convective storms reaching altitudes of up to 11.1 km.
Tropical Storm Yutu produced heavy rainfall over Luzon in the Philippines, but analysis from NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission showed little rainfall near its center of circulation. Heavy rainfall was found in powerful storms northwest and southeast of Yutu's center, with rates exceeding 183 mm/hour.
Typhoon Yutu's heavy rainfall was revealed by NASA's GPM satellite, affecting an area the size of Luzon. The storm's southwestern eye wall showed extreme precipitation falling at over 178 mm per hour.
A new study suggests that a warmer world may equal a wetter Arctic, driven by two climatic processes: melting sea ice and increasing global humidity. Researchers analyzed lakebed mud dating back thousands of years to uncover clues about the region's past climate.
A global analysis by Columbia Engineers reveals a significant increase in storm runoff extremes driven by both climate change and human-induced changes. The study suggests that projected responses of storm runoff extremes will dramatically increase, threatening ecosystem resilience and infrastructure systems.
Hurricane Willa strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of about 160 mph, producing heavy rainfall over western Mexico, threatening life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters found that large-scale offshore wind farms can decrease hurricane precipitation onshore locations, while increasing it in offshore areas. The research used Hurricane Harvey as an example, showing a 30% reduction in precipitation inland due to the presence of wind farms.
Heavy rainfall totals over 20 inches were estimated in less than a week along Hurricane Michael's track, with the heaviest accumulation occurring off the Yucatan Peninsula. IMERG data revealed frequent rainfall totals greater than 10 inches along the storm's path from October 7 to 12, 2018.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzed Tropical Storm Sergio's rainfall in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Rainfall rates of over 2.2 inches per hour were measured north of the storm's eye feature.
NASA analyzed rainfall and structure of Hurricane Michael as it developed, forecasting a major hurricane for Florida landfall. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense rainfall accumulation totals over the Caribbean Sea, with estimates reaching 12.6 inches in some areas.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzed rain rates in Hurricane Leslie, revealing light to moderate convective rainfall in the eye wall and over 1.8 inches of precipitation per hour on the northwestern side.
NASA's IMERG combined data from multiple satellites and visible imagery to create a composite picture of Tropical Storm Kong-Rey in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The heaviest rain fell around the center and northwest, with winds decreasing to 60 knots.
Hurricane Walaka strengthened into a powerful hurricane with intense convective storms and rainfall rates of up to 6.5 inches per hour. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission's data revealed a well-organized storm with rapid intensification forecasted through Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Kirk is regenerating in the Lesser Antilles, bringing intense convective activity and heavy rainfall. The NASA GPM core satellite detected strong radar echoes of over 60 dBZ, indicating intense precipitation falling at rates of over 69 mm/h.
University of Montana researchers discovered that ecosystems' carbon balance depends on water availability and annual precipitation thresholds. The study suggests climate models need improvement to accurately predict terrestrial carbon dynamics.
The DFG is establishing nine new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in their respective fields. The new units will focus on topics such as precipitation estimation, the brain's energy supply, Tourette syndrome, and climate change impact on high alpine geosystems.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided an analysis of super typhoon Trami's heavy rainfall, including rates of over 120 mm per hour within intense storms. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center used GPM data to evaluate the storm's eyewall replacement cycle and predict its future movement.
NASA used data from Super Typhoon Mangkhut to create a detailed map of the typhoon's rainfall. The analysis revealed heavy precipitation totals, including areas with over 700 mm of rain, and showed the storm's path through the western Pacific Ocean.
Florence brought massive rainfall to the Carolinas, exceeding 30 inches in some areas, causing record or major flooding along many rivers. The storm's heavy rainfall caused widespread damage and at least 20 fatalities.
The GPM satellite analyzed heavy rainfall in Tropical Storm Isaac, revealing intense convective storms with rain rates over 140 mm per hour. The storm's structure was also observed in a 3D view from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
Hurricane Florence's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph, making it a category 3 hurricane. Satellite data reveal powerful thunderstorms with cloud tops as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of generating heavy rainfall.
Researchers analyzed precipitation and temperature records with NDVI data from 1982-2011 to find a shift in the climate factors controlling vegetation dynamics on the central and southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The study suggests that global warming may be contributing to this change, potentially impacting regional ecosystems.
The new California Climate Tracker tool provides more than 120 years of historical climate data, allowing users to analyze trends and patterns in temperature and precipitation. The updated version incorporates a user-friendly web interface, improved accuracy using PRISM data, and access to archived maps and data dating back to 1895.
Scientists investigate the type characteristics of extreme precipitation events and their flood risk in the Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley. Persistent EPEs are linked to continuous flood peaks and severe floods. The study also identifies areas with high flood risk, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.
A new study published in Science shows that large-scale solar and wind farms in the Sahara could more than double precipitation, increase vegetation cover by up to 20%, and lead to substantial improvements in rainfed agriculture. The findings have major implications for addressing sustainability challenges in the Energy-Water-Food nexus.
The GPM core satellite revealed heavy rainfall rates of 50 mm/h near the eye of Hurricane Florence, with storms producing rain at a rate of 2 inches per hour. The satellite also provided estimates of storm heights using data from geostationary satellites and radar.
A new study reveals that wind and solar farms increase local precipitation and plant growth in the Sahara desert. The results suggest a positive impact on regional climate processes, with potential to produce minimal climate change at continental scales.
A new climate-modeling study finds that large wind and solar farms in the Sahara Desert and neighboring Sahel would increase local temperature, precipitation and vegetation. The effects are likely to benefit the region, with increased rainfall leading to a positive feedback loop of vegetation growth.
Research indicates that California will see increased winter precipitation, but dry conditions in non-winter months. The state's new norm could mimic or surpass the 2017 fire season, emphasizing the need for enhanced water storage capabilities.
A modeling study demonstrated that latent heating can amplify moisture-driven increases in extreme precipitation by up to a factor of two. The analysis focused on a 2015 extreme precipitation event in Texas.
GPM analyzed Typhoon Jebi as it approached Japan, revealing intense feeder bands of thunderstorms and powerful downpours. The typhoon is forecast to intensify due to favorable environmental conditions, posing a threat to the Japanese islands.
Recent study reveals Amazonian precipitation in wet season has largely increased during the past three decades due to changes in sea surface temperature (SST) variability. This finding suggests a new perspective for studying long-term change in Amazonian precipitation.
Tropical cyclones regularly develop in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. NASA's GPM mission observed intense rainfall near Tropical Storm Miriam's center, with rain falling at over 190 mm per hour. The satellite's radar data revealed the 3D structure of precipitation within the storm, providing insights into energy release and fuel formation.
The GPM core observatory satellite analyzed rainfall rates and cloud heights of Hurricane Lane on Aug. 22, revealing very heavy rain occurring within the storm's eye wall. The satellite showed moderate to heavy rainfall extending outward from the storm's center, posing a threat to the Hawaiian Islands with powerful storms.
Severe monsoon floods affected Kerala state in India with extreme rainfall totals of up to 469 mm. Heavy rain bands brought intense precipitation to the southwest coast of India.
A recent study found that summer precipitation declines contribute to increased wildfire activity in the western United States, particularly on wetting rain days. The research suggests that precipitation may drive wildfire activity through its effect on air moisture, with decreased rainfall forecasted to exacerbate future wildfires.
The GPM satellite provided highly accurate information about precipitation within Hurricane Lane, revealing intense feeder bands and eye wall storms. Rainfall rates reached over 89 mm/hour near the hurricane's eye, with some areas dropping rain at a rate of over 143 mm/hour.
A GPM satellite scan revealed Hurricane Lane's strengthening to a Category 2 hurricane, with intense rainfall rates of over 128 mm/hour and towering cloud heights. The storm's formation eye wall was accurately mapped using the satellite's radar data.
Sub-Tropical Storm Ernesto's rainfall and cloud heights were analyzed using NASA satellites, revealing a patchy pattern. The storm is expected to strengthen before weakening due to environmental factors, ultimately merging with a frontal zone near Ireland and the UK.
Researchers have found that early farmers at Çatalhöyük turned to drought-resistant sheep and goats during a sudden climate event 8,200 years ago. The study used ancient animal fats in cooking pots to detect changes in precipitation patterns, providing new insights into past climate conditions.
Heavy rainfall caused flash floods and power outages in Virginia and Texas, while NASA's IMERG program estimated rainfall totals of over 8 inches in some areas. The analysis was based on satellite data from the GPM mission and used algorithms developed by NASA's PMM science team.
A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided detailed coverage of hurricane John, revealing heavy rainfall in the eastern half of the hurricane. The satellite's radar data showed extremely heavy rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour just east of John's eye, with storms reaching altitudes of up to 13.5 km.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission observed Tropical Storm John's strengthening on August 6, 2018, with intense rainfall in feeder bands. The satellite's radar data revealed storm tops reaching heights above 13.7 km, indicating the storm's potential for intensification into a hurricane.
Researchers report significant declines in forest soils' methane uptake, attributed to increased precipitation and hydrological flux. A literature analysis reveals a 77% global average decrease in methane uptake from 1988 to 2015.
A new study finds that forest soils have been overestimated as methane sinks by up to 50% worldwide. Methane uptake by forest soils has declined globally, especially in regions with increasing precipitation.
Tropical Storm Hector is forming in the eastern Pacific Ocean, southwest of Mexico, according to NASA's GPM satellite observations. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 80 knots (92 mph) early next week.
A stalled weather pattern led to significant rainfall and flood warnings along the eastern seaboard, with NASA utilizing satellite data to analyze rainfall totals. The heaviest accumulations were recorded in North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York, with some areas receiving over 7 inches of rain.
Typhoon Jongdari is another dangerous storm affecting southern Japan and potentially South Korea, with intense rainfall and extreme wind speeds.
Tropical Storm Ampil showed intense downpour in a band of thunderstorms northeast of its center with precipitation rates over 139 mm/h. The storm's heaviest rainfall shifted from the northern quadrant to the southern quadrant after passing by NASA's GPM and Aqua satellites
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission tracked Tropical Cyclone Son-Tinh's trail of heavy rainfall, revealing intense precipitation rates of over 97 mm/hour. The storm made landfall in northern Vietnam on July 18, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected moderate to heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Son-Tinh near the northern Philippines. Extremely heavy precipitation was recorded at a rate of over 6.5 inches per hour in some areas.
Sub-Tropical Storm Beryl has lost its tropical cyclone characteristics, moving northeast without significant convection. The storm's maximum sustained winds have decreased to 30 knots, indicating a weakening system.