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Hurricane Hunter data reveal early signs of strengthening tropical cyclones

Researchers analyzed nearly three decades of airborne radar observations to identify four features that aid vertically aligned storms in intensifying. These features include tight circulation near the sea surface and favorable wind orientation relative to wind shear.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2026

A new way to build safer, more sustainable skyscrapers

Researchers from Imperial College London and Arup have developed a new approach to designing tall buildings that uses the building's own mass to reduce movement in high winds and earthquakes. The system, which separates usable floors from the central core, reduces peak accelerations by up to 71% and base moments by more than 50%.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2026

Research uncovers hidden patterns in hurricane storm surge

A Virginia Tech team analyzed over 1,000 storm surge events to identify distinct patterns that depend on both storm characteristics and coastal geography. The findings could help engineers design infrastructure to withstand unique flood timelines and support better planning and decision making for coastal communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCoastal Engineering·DateAug 5, 2026

Warming intensifies rainfall in North Atlantic storms

A new study reveals that tropical cyclones and post-tropical cyclones are responding differently to surface warming, resulting in increased rainfall intensity and longer-lasting storms. Warmer temperatures lead to wetter tropical cyclones, especially in warm, low-latitude regions.

SourceNewcastle University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2026

AMS Science Preview: Railways and cyclones; pinned clouds; weather warnings in wartime

Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateNov 21, 2025

Cyclones increase risk of death for children under five

A new study estimates that tropical cyclones cause the death of 850,000 children under five from 2000 to 2020. The research found a significant link between cyclone exposure and child mortality, emphasizing the urgent need for disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2025

New AI tool tracks early signs of hurricane formation

A new AI system developed by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School can automatically identify and track tropical easterly waves, separating them from other tropical wind patterns. The model combines historical observations with reanalysis data to produce accurate real-time forecasts.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2025

Tropical systems spin up Mid-South crop insurance rates

A new study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics found that tropical systems significantly impact crop insurance premium rates in the Mid-South region. The researchers analyzed data from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which are more prone to hurricane damage due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2025

Even weak tropical cyclones raise infant mortality in poorer countries, USC-led research finds

A new study reveals that even weak tropical cyclones significantly increase infant deaths in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers analyzed nearly 1.7 million child records from seven economically disadvantaged countries, finding an average increase of 11% in infant mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2025

Damaging cluster of UK winter storms driven by swirling polar vortex miles above Earth

Scientists have identified a new reason for UK winter storm clusters, pointing to stronger winds in the Arctic stratosphere. This research reveals that an intense swirling vortex of winds miles above the Arctic can make severe winter storms more likely, and may offer early warnings for forecasters up to a month before they happen.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2025

What happens in the ocean when two cyclones collide

When two tropical cyclones collide in the Indian Ocean, they can intensify considerably, leading to extreme interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. The study found that effects occurred that have only been observed with much stronger cyclones, including a cooling effect of three degrees Celsius and upwelling of deep water masses.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalTellus A Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography·TypeCase study·DateDec 10, 2024

Strongest Arctic cyclone on record led to surprising loss of sea ice

The strongest Arctic cyclone ever observed poleward of 70 degrees north latitude caused a 30% greater loss of sea ice than previous records, with waves reaching up to 100 kilometers towards the center of the ice pack. Researchers suggest that existing models underestimate the impact of big waves on ice floes in the Arctic Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2022

Land in a cyclone’s wake becomes more vulnerable to forest fires

Researchers study links between cyclones and forest fires, finding that cyclones can create conditions ripe for fires by damaging trees and altering microclimates. As climate change increases cyclone intensity, the risk of wildfires in previously fire-resistant ecosystems like rainforests grows.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 13, 2022

New study shows higher death toll among Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Maria than reported following 2017 disaster

A new University of Toronto study finds an additional 514 deaths should be added to the official Hurricane Maria death toll due to displaced Puerto Ricans in the US. The study suggests undercounting and highlights the need for equitable disaster preparedness and cross-jurisdiction data sharing.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022

Artificial intelligence brings better hurricane predictions

A new machine learning approach has been developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to improve hurricane intensity predictions. The model uses artificial intelligence techniques and can run on a commercial laptop, offering more accurate forecasts than existing models. It also enables th...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalWeather and Forecasting·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Challenge of the summer rainfall forecast skill in China: A possible solution

A new study analyzes the relationship between the Mongolian cyclone and the South Asian high, finding that their coupling accounts for 66% of seasonal rainfall anomalies in China. The research suggests that enhancing summer rainfall forecast skill in China can be achieved by analyzing these phenomena in the upper-level atmosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2021