Research on clouds and the atmosphere. Covers Southern Ocean clouds, ocean-derived aerosols, sea-ice cloud formation, and dust after impacts.
Tropical Storm Rina is forming and strengthening in the western Caribbean Sea, with heavy rainfall affecting Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The storm has a large area of heavy rainfall extending towards the northeast from eastern Honduras.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the three tropical systems, showing Irwin still with strong convection but Jova without. The National Hurricane Center expects Irwin to become a remnant low within 24 hours.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a model that can be added to existing climate simulations, showing insoluble dust particles form more droplets than thought. This discovery could improve the accuracy of regional climate models, especially in areas with significant amounts of mineral aerosols.
Tropical Storm Irwin regained tropical storm status after displaying spotty areas of strong convection in NASA imagery. The storm's cloud top temperatures were measured at -112F, indicating powerful and high winds.
Tropical Storm Banyan (Ramon) is strengthening over the southern Philippines with winds near 40mph. NASA satellite data shows convection growing in area, with cloud top temperatures exceeding -63F (-52C), indicating wind shear from the east.
Hurricane Jova's eye appears as 'winking' to NASA satellites due to varying cloud cover. Infrared data reveals frigid cloud top temperatures of -80C (-112F), indicating tremendous storm power. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Mexico tonight, bringing significant flooding and rough seas.
Scientists have confirmed the existence of triple rainbows using photographic evidence and a new meteorological model. The discovery was made possible by a professor's guidelines that showed how to find tertiary rainbows, which are rare because they require specific conditions to appear.
Tropical Storm Philippe is battling intense wind shear from the northwest, causing heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms on its southeastern quadrant. The storm may strengthen and reach hurricane status in the next couple of days.
Hurricane Hilary is experiencing its heaviest rainfall in the northwest quadrant, with rain falling at 2 inches per hour. The storm is also showing signs of strengthening, with cloud tops cooling and towering clouds indicating increased power.
Researchers gather data in the Indian Ocean to understand tropical weather patterns and their effects on global climate. The six-month field campaign aims to improve long-range weather forecasts and seasonal outlooks.
Tropical Storm Ophelia formed in the Atlantic Ocean after strengthening from low-pressure System 98L. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 45mph and is moving west at 14mph.
Typhoon Roke intensified from a Category 1 to 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale due to rapid updrafts and heavy rainfall accumulation over Kyushu Island. The TRMM satellite captured 3-D radar data showing significant precipitation reaching altitudes above the freezing level, fueling the storm's intensification.
NASA satellite imagery revealed 'hot towers' around Hurricane Maria's center, indicating its inner strength and potential intensification. Cloud temperatures also showed strong convection and powerful thunderstorms, with cloud-top temperatures as cold as -63F/-52C.
Tropical Storm Roke is consolidating with strong convection and cold cloud-top temperatures, indicating its potential for further strengthening. The storm's environment is favorable for development due to light wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite measured powerful convective storms dropping rainfall at over 50mm/hr northwest of Maria's center. Heavy rainfall bands were detected between the storm's center and Bermuda, with winds predicted to reach minimal hurricane strength by 2:00 p.m. EDT.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed powerful convection in System 94W, strengthening it into Tropical Storm Sonca. Infrared data showed cloud temperatures and heights, aiding forecasters in predicting the storm's behavior.
Tropical Storm Roke is showing signs of intensification with strong convection and cold cloud tops, posing a threat to Kadena Air Base. Meteorologists expect the storm to strengthen as it approaches the base, bringing tropical storm conditions from Friday to Sunday.
Hurricane Katia is causing rough surf along the U.S. east coast, while Tropical Storm Lee's remnants bring heavy rain to the Mid-Atlantic states. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Maria appears disorganized, and Tropical Storm Nate is expected to strengthen in the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche.
Tropical Storm Nate formed quickly in the Bay of Campeche near Mexico's east coast, with NASA satellites capturing its rapid development. The heaviest rainfall was found on the southern side of the storm, with cloud tops reaching heights of up to 14km.
Lee's surface circulation absorbed by a large extratropical low pressure area near the Tennessee/Virginia border. Heavy rainfall expected from central Appalachians into New England, with totals up to 10 inches until week's end.
A Texas A&M University professor has published a study suggesting that clouds only amplify climate change, rather than causing it. Decades of data support the mainstream view that human activity is the primary driver of warming.
NASA satellites have been monitoring Hurricane Katia's transition, capturing clear images of its cloud patterns and spiral shape characteristic of strong storms. The storm has undergone eyewall replacement, with a double-eyewall formation indicating it is likely to maintain major hurricane status.
The remnants of Tropical Depression 8E continue to bring heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms to Mexico's southwestern coast, with 4-6 inches of rain expected over the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima. The National Hurricane Center has issued their last warning for the area, indicating a low chance of regeneration.
Tropical Storm Nanmadol made landfall in southeastern China's Fujian Province on August 31, dissipating quickly over mainland China. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Talas is still headed for Japan, with a projected landfall on September 2.
A new study suggests that reducing soot emissions from diesel engines and other sources could slow melting of sea ice in the Arctic faster and more economically than any other quick fix. Soot emissions are second only to carbon dioxide in promoting global warming, but their effects have been underestimated in previous climate models.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected isolated areas of heavy rainfall within Tropical Depression 8E before it organized. The depression is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and 4-6 inches of precipitation to coastal sections of Mexico's Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima states
Super Typhoon Namadol has strengthened to a Category Four typhoon with winds near 135 knots (155 mph), while Tropical Storm Talas is expected to intensify further due to favorable conditions. The storms are forecast to bring heavy rainfall and rough seas to the Philippines and Japan.
Tropical Depression 8 is expected to produce heavy rainfall across Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize, with total accumulations of 3-5 inches possible. Isolated areas may see up to 8 inches, posing a risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
Researchers used a global circulation model to demonstrate how atmospheric waves affect Titan's weather patterns, leading to sharp and surprising cloud shapes. The study reveals that these waves can cause intense precipitation, shaping Titan's surface through erosion.
Tropical Depression Emily made a brief comeback on August 6, strengthening to 30 mph winds before dissipating by Sunday. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Emily's thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures, showing signs of strengthening and heavy rain.
Tropical Storm Muifa is filling the Yellow Sea with its cloud cover, stretching from China to South and North Korea. NASA satellites captured images showing strong thunderstorms around the eye of the storm, with the heaviest rain falling east of the center.
Warmer cloud top temperatures suggest a decrease in cloud heights and storm energy for Tropical Storm Eugene. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached near 65 mph on August 5.
Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected from Tropical Storm Don as it approaches landfall in southeastern Texas. NASA's satellite images reveal powerful thunderstorms and cold cloud tops surrounding the storm's center, with rainfall totals reaching up to 5 inches in some areas.
Tropical Storm Muifa has grown in size, with cloud top temperatures indicating strong storms and heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next couple of days as it moves north across the Pacific.
Tropical Storm Muifa strengthened in the western North Pacific Ocean on July 28, with highest thunderstorms located on its eastern and southern sides. A nearby high-pressure area is preventing evaporation in the storm's northern quadrant, weakening its convection.
Tropical Storm Nock-ten's intense convection is intensifying as it moves through the South China Sea, feeding on warm waters. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, local flooding, gusty winds, and rough surf along coastal areas in Hainan Island and Vietnam.
Tropical Depression 11W is currently located southwest of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots. The storm is expected to move northwestward for the next day or two before shifting in a northeasterly direction.
Tropical Depression 11W exhibits a significant temperature contrast between its cold cloud tops (-63°F) and warm sea surface (80°F), with a difference of 143 degrees. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon and recurve to the northeast, posing threats to Yap State (Micronesia).
Tropical Storm Nock-ten is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and localized flooding to central Philippines. The storm is expected to weaken over land but re-energize once it enters the South China Sea.
Researchers developed a model that mimics three predator-prey modes to understand cloud-rain interactions, finding that aerosols affect cloud formation and precipitation. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between clouds, rain, and aerosols, shedding light on climate patterns and human-induced changes.
Tropical Storms Bret and Cindy are currently in the open waters of the North Atlantic, hundreds of miles east-northeast of Bermuda. Both storms show strong convection with cloud top temperatures as cold as -70 Celsius, indicating high thunderstorms.
Frigid cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Dora's thunderstorms indicate their strength and power. The storm's strong convection and rapid rising air formed a large area of very cold and powerful thunderstorms around the center.
Typhoon Ma-on's strong thunderstorms caused rough surf, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall along eastern coastal Japan. The storm weakened as it interacted with land and wind shear increased.
Tropical Storm Bret is experiencing a weakening convective uplift due to dry air intrusion, resulting in decreased thunderstorm intensity and cloud top temperatures of -63F (-52C). The National Hurricane Center forecasts Bret to dissipate by the weekend as it battles increasing wind shear.
Tropical Storm Dora has strengthened to near-hurricane strength, expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents to southern Mexico. Cloud top temperatures have dropped significantly, indicating increasing convection and thunderstorm activity.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured clear images of Typhoon Ma-on's eye, indicating a strong storm. The typhoon has strengthened to Category Four status with maximum sustained winds at 132 mph.
Research suggests planes may induce odd-shaped holes or canals into clouds, potentially increasing precipitation near airports with frequent cloud cover. This inadvertent seeding process works similarly to intentional cloud seeding and may require more frequent de-icing for planes.
Researchers found that airplanes can create holes in supercooled clouds, leading to increased snowfall and precipitation around major airports. The phenomenon is similar to cloud seeding but occurs naturally due to aircraft flight patterns and engine emissions.
Researchers discovered that aircraft takeoffs and landings under certain atmospheric conditions can cause a small but measurable increase in rain and snow near airports. The study used satellite images and weather forecasting models to examine the occurrence of inadvertent cloud seeding within 62 miles of six commercial airports.
The NASA Aqua satellite captured an infrared image of Tropical Storm Meari and Tropical Depression Haima on June 22. The image showed large areas of strong thunderstorms and convection, indicating rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour in both storms.
Heavy rainfall is expected in southern Taiwan, Fujian and Guangdong provinces, and Hainan Island as Tropical Depression Haima nears Hong Kong. NASA's AIRS instrument captures strong rain-making thunderstorms on the storm's southern quadrant, indicating very high, cold cloud tops and likely heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm Meari has grown to a massive size, covering almost the entire Philippine Sea and on track for southeastern Taiwan. The storm is forecasted to strengthen over the next two days before reaching Taiwan.
NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder captured a weakened Tropical Depression 06W with scattered convection and decreased winds. The storm is expected to barely maintain tropical depression strength before making landfall near Hainan Island, China.
Tropical Storm Beatriz is strengthening towards hurricane status, according to NASA satellite imagery, which revealed powerful thunderstorms and cloud tops cooling. The storm is expected to bring excessive rainfall, life-threatening flash floods, and mudslides to southwestern Mexico.
NASA satellite imagery shows Adrian's eye despite overcast clouds, revealing strong thunderstorms and a minimum central pressure of 948 millibars. The storm is expected to stay at sea but will stir up rough surf along the southwestern coast of Mexico.
System 94L is making slow progress in a north-northeasterly direction, bringing clouds to eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for the Bahamas as the low approaches, with a northeasterly track expected over the weekend.
Hurricane Adrian has plenty of strong thunderstorms over 9 miles high, fueled by warm ocean water. The storm's eye is confirmed by NASA's infrared image, with coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit.
Tropical Storm Adrian forms in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, strengthening with high cloud tops and moderate rainfall, triggering a tropical storm watch in Mexico. The storm is forecast to reach hurricane strength by the National Hurricane Center.
A low-pressure area, System 93L, has formed off the North Carolina coast and is now located off northeastern Florida. The storm is expected to move over northern Florida later today, bringing scattered strong thunderstorms and isolated thunderstorms to the region.
Typhoon Songda weakened to a depression with maximum sustained winds near 30 knots (34 mph/55 kmh) as it moved northeast at 26 knots (30 mph/48 kmh). The NASA satellites provided crucial forecast insights into the storm's behavior, capturing its rainfall totals and wave heights.