Research on clouds and the atmosphere. Covers Southern Ocean clouds, ocean-derived aerosols, sea-ice cloud formation, and dust after impacts.
Tropical Storm Jebi made landfall in southeastern Japan on September 4, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is transitioning to an extra-tropical system over the Sea of Japan, expanding its wind field.
Hurricane Norman's strongest thunderstorms are located southeast of its center, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates the potential for heavy rain generation, and the storm is expected to remain powerful through next week.
Hurricane Miriam is tracking north through the Central Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures reaching as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rapid weakening is expected to begin later today and continue through Sunday, with Miriam becoming a post-tropical remnant low pressure area.
NASA's Terra satellite found that Super Typhoon Jebi was undergoing an intense eyewall replacement cycle, with powerful storms surrounding the 15 nautical-mile wide eye. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating its capability to generate heavy rain.
Researchers observed hurricane storm tops circling at very low temperatures, indicating intense energy and heavy rainfall potential. These findings provide critical insights into the dynamics of powerful storms.
A potential sixth tropical cyclone is forming in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, with NASA detecting strong storms and coldest cloud tops as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The system is expected to move near or over the southern Cabo Verde Islands on Friday, Aug. 31, posing a threat of life-threatening flash floods.
Hurricane Miriam is moving northwestward across the Central Pacific, with maximum sustained winds near 80 mph. The storm is expected to intensify today and then rapidly weaken by Saturday night, remaining far away from land.
Tropical Storm Norman is rapidly intensifying, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 60 mph, and a high chance of becoming a hurricane by Thursday. The storm's infrared satellite signature indicates significant strengthening over the next couple of days.
Tropical Storm Lane underwent significant changes in its strength after being analyzed by NASA's Aqua satellite on August 27. The storm showed powerful thunderstorms east of its center but weakened due to wind shear, only to regain tropical storm status later that day.
Tropical Depression 16E formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with coldest cloud tops reaching minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The depression is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm and potentially become a hurricane by Thursday.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected slight improvement in Tropical Storm Miriam's cloud pattern and convective organization on Aug. 27. The storm still exhibited wind shear effects, with coldest cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tropical cyclone Lane was affected by strong westerly winds, causing a significant shift in its strongest storms east of the center. Despite this, the storm strengthened back into a tropical storm on August 27.
NASA's Terra satellite detected three areas of strong water vapor concentrations in Tropical Depression 25W, indicating potential for heavy rainfall and intensification.
Tropical Storm Soulik is moving rapidly northeast across the Sea of Japan with sustained winds near 35 knots. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Soulik will become extra-tropical before reaching Hokkaido.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected an extra-tropical cyclone, Cimaron, crossing central Japan and weakening. The storm showed cloud tops warming as it lost strength, with temperatures reaching -50°F (-45.5°C) in two areas.
Hurricane Lane is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with localized amounts up to 40 inches possible over Hawaiian Islands. The slow movement of the storm increases the threat for prolonged heavy rainfall and extreme rainfall totals.
Electrically charged volcanic ash from the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption may have contributed to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo by 'short-circuiting' the ionosphere. Heavy rain brought about by this ash led to muddy and rainy conditions that hindered the Allied army.
Typhoon Soulik's cloud top temperatures were observed by NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing a 50 nautical-mile wide eye with very strong thunderstorms surrounding it. The storm is tracking northwestward at 15 mph and is expected to slowly weaken before making landfall near Seoul, South Korea.
NASA's Terra satellite monitored Hurricane Lane's powerful storms, confirming strong thunderstorms capable of heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to make a turn toward the Hawaiian Islands, bringing large swells and excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
Tropical Storm Cimaron displays a unique infrared pattern resembling a 'Picasso-like' face, characterized by cold cloud top temperatures and strong thunderstorms. The storm is forecast to intensify until its peak on Aug. 22, posing a threat to south central Japan's landfall on Aug. 23.
Typhoon Soulik's large eye was observed on NASA's Terra satellite imagery with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 115 mph and will maintain current strength for two days before weakening over the Korean peninsula.
Tropical Storm Bebinca's strong storms lingered within its weakening center, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is forecast to track further inland across Laos and northern Thailand before dissipating.
Typhoon Soulik has the capability to produce heavy rainfall due to extremely low cloud top temperatures. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted on Aug. 17 that Soulik was centered near 23.7 degrees north latitude and had maximum sustained winds near 92 mph.
Tropical Storm Lane is strengthening, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong thunderstorms capable of heavy rain. The storm's maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph, and it is forecast to become a hurricane by tomorrow and potentially a major hurricane over the weekend.
Tropical Storm Bebinca has cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, producing heavy rainfall. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts a landfall just south of Hanoi late on Aug. 16 or early on Aug. 17.
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.
Tropical Storm Soulik is intensifying due to cold cloud top temperatures, potentially threatening Japan. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 63.2 mph and is forecast to move north then turn to the northwest.
A recent study found that when phytoplankton is infected with a virus, it releases large amounts of chalky particles into the air, affecting cloud properties and Earth's energy balance. The research suggests that these emissions play a significant role in shaping atmospheric conditions.
Tropical Storm Hector has two areas of strong convection with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating a high potential for heavy rain. The storm is moving west-northwest towards the Johnston Island Atoll at maximum sustained winds of near 40 mph.
NASA's Aqua satellite reveals strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating heavy rainfall potential. The storm is forecast to move slowly around the seas off western Guangdong, lingering near Hong Kong.
Tropical Storm Yagi made landfall in China's Zhejiang Province on Aug. 12, causing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms. MODIS instrument detected cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating the storm's capability to create heavy rain.
Tropical Storm Leepi is weakening as it moves northwest, with maximum sustained winds near 63.2 mph. The storm's interaction with nearby System 98W is contributing to its decline.
Tropical Storm Hector has weakened and moved into the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, with fragmented thunderstorms detected. The storm is currently moving west-northwest near 17 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
Tropical Storm John weakened to a remnant low pressure area after moving over cool waters, indicating a loss of strength due to colder ocean temperatures. The storm's convection vanished, and it is now classified as a post-tropical cyclone, expected to dissipate in a couple of days.
Tropical Storm Kristy has a strong core with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful storms capable of heavy rain. The storm is moving north-northeast at 9 mph, with a turn expected later today and gradual weakening by Saturday.
Tropical Storm Shanshan was observed in infrared light by NASA's Terra satellite, revealing cold cloud top temperatures and limited precipitation in the northern and eastern quadrants. The storm is forecast to weaken rapidly due to increasing vertical wind shear and decreasing sea surface temperatures.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured Hurricane Hector's large eye after it passed the Hawaiian Islands. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Johnston Island, with swells expected to produce dangerous waves.
Hurricane Hector maintains its major hurricane status as it moves south of Hawaii, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The National Weather Service predicts tropical storm conditions and large surf along the Big Island and Maui, prompting monitoring from interests in Johnston Island.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Debby on Aug. 8, revealing three areas of strongest thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm has transitioned from a subtropical to a tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph.
Tropical Storm Yagi experienced strong vertical wind shear, which led to cloud top temperatures of -80°F (Celsius) and the potential for heavy rain. The storm is moving northeast at 35 knots (40 mph), expected to briefly intensify before weakening.
Tropical Storm Ileana has weakened due to interaction with land and nearby Hurricane John, according to NASA's Aqua satellite data. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.
Tropical Storm Ileana is intensifying off the coast of Mexico, with cloud top temperatures reaching minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Hurricane Center predicts heavy rain and flash flooding in coastal areas, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 6 inches.
Tropical Storm John strengthened off southwestern Mexico's coast, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane and produce life-threatening ocean conditions along the Mexican coast.
Tropical Storm Shanshan has triggered warnings in the Marianas Islands due to powerful storms detected by NASA's Terra satellite. The storm is forecast to intensify and move towards Japan, with maximum sustained winds at 50 mph.
Scientists discovered a compact center surrounded by strong storms in Hurricane Hector using infrared satellite imagery. The coldest cloud tops circling the center were as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The NASA Terra satellite analyzed Hurricane Hector's cloud top temperatures, finding strongest thunderstorms as cold as or colder than minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These cold clouds indicate strong storms capable of creating heavy rain.
Alessio Figalli, a mathematician at ETH Zurich, has been awarded the Fields Medal for solving the Monge-Ampere equation, a famous partial differential equation with applications in urban planning, imaging, and meteorology. He has also made significant contributions to optimal transport and its connections to probability.
Tropical Depression 16W is experiencing wind shear, with strongest storms located north of the center. The system is moving northwards and is expected to strengthen slightly but maintain tropical depression status.
Tropical Depression 16W formed despite vertical wind shear in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. NASA's Terra satellite detected elongated and fragmented clouds indicating potential heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Gilma formed on July 26 and strengthened into a storm by July 27, according to NASA's Terra satellite data. The storm is expected to weaken due to wind shear and cooler waters, potentially becoming a remnant low within 3 days.
Tropical Storm Wukong's cold cloud tops suggest strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential. The storm's unique shape indicates low westerly vertical wind shear affecting its trajectory.
Researchers at Rutgers University suggest that nacreous clouds with iridescent colors may have inspired the iconic red-and-yellow sky in Edvard Munch's The Scream. The study provides a detailed analysis of cloud patterns and color content in relation to volcanic sunsets, potentially linking Munch's painting to these atmospheric phenomena.
A study published by Texas A&M University found that Saharan dust suppresses cloud formation and decreases the occurrence of hurricanes over the Gulf of Mexico region. The research suggests that dust can reduce the sea surface temperature, leading to more stable atmospheric conditions unfavorable for storm formation.
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
Researchers from North Carolina State University have observed rapid and dramatic clearings of low cloud cover over the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the southeast Atlantic. This phenomenon could provide insights into how clouds affect Earth's heating and cooling. The researchers found that atmospheric gravity waves are likely respon...
Scientists have found that dramatic clearing events in the southeast Atlantic Ocean are triggered by atmospheric waves, disrupting low-lying clouds off the coast of subtropical Africa. This discovery could improve climate models' representation of marine low clouds and their response to a warming climate.
The Suomi NPP satellite detected an elongated Tropical Storm Ampil in the Philippine Sea on July 18. The storm had cold cloud top temperatures near minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating potential for heavy rainfall and long-lived behavior.
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.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected scattered thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures near minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The remnants of former Tropical Storm Beryl are being battered by upper-level winds, limiting further development.
Hurricane Chris strengthened into a hurricane on July 10 with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph, bringing heavy rainfall to Newfoundland, Canada. The storm's eye was visible in an infrared image captured by NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.