Articles tagged with Extreme Weather Events
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A new report by Anglia Ruskin University and the University of York identifies key weaknesses in the UK's food system and recommends interventions to prevent disruptions from escalating into a crisis. The study suggests increasing energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting varied diets to reduce risks.
Researchers at Newcastle University and the UK Met Office identified a three-layered atmospheric structure associated with heavy rainfall developing within minutes. The findings help explain record-breaking rainfall and flash floods in the UAE and Oman in April 2024, and may aid future improvements in identifying risk.
A new study led by climatologists at the University at Albany found that extreme heatwaves in the Caribbean have increased significantly over the last five decades. The study reveals that heatwaves are lasting longer and occurring more often, especially in Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
A Brazilian study developed a new statistical analysis method that better predicts landslide risk. The approach uses the Gaussian distribution to define the weight of each contributing factor objectively. It was validated based on an inventory of landslides in São Paulo, where 65 people were killed.
The study maps where and how millions of animals may be affected by heat stress in Europe. Regional differences were found, with southern European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and Romania likely to face significant impacts.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have developed a tornado-forecast system called Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) that can predict tornado formation up to an hour before it occurs. The system uses high-resolution simulations and gauges uncertainties, providing guidance on severe weather threats.
Researchers have identified four synoptic patterns contributing to summer clustered extreme precipitation events in Northeast China, including eastward-moving low-altitude vortex and southwesterlies. The study provides a robust assessment of prerequisite conditions for these events and offers insights into short-term forecasting.
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
A team of researchers used innovative approaches, including public data and machine learning models, to create more accurate predictions of coastal erosion and infrastructure damage. The project aims to improve storm preparedness and timeliness.
Researchers identified key building code features that impact hazard resilience, including prioritizing structural elements like lateral support. Smarter regulation and stronger structures can work together to create safer homes, but local expertise is crucial in places with independent-minded populations.
A new study links rising temperatures to reduced sleep quality and length in US adults, particularly those living on the West Coast. The research estimates that by 2099, people could lose up to 24 hours of sleep each year due to heat, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on sleep health.
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
A Florida Atlantic University survey finds that 36% of Floridians have moved or are considering relocating due to weather hazards. The survey also reveals concerns about climate change, with only half of Floridians believing it is caused by human activity.
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.
A new study has analyzed a rare flooding event in the Maldives in July 2022 and found it could become a far more common occurrence in the future. By 2050, predicted rises in sea levels, coupled with increased extreme weather events, may result in such flooding happening every two to three years.
The study reveals that North America and Europe will experience significant warming (3.7-3.8°C) and drought expansion by the end of the 21st century due to land-air coupling, which amplifies the impact of GHG emissions. If uncontrolled, this could lead to severe climate risks, including reduced Gross Primary Productivity.
Scientists have created a micro-algal platform that allows for automated and fast testing of chloroplast genetic modifications, opening up plant chloroplasts to high-throughput applications. This platform enables researchers to fine-tune genetic circuits and identify which modifications have real potential.
A UAlbany researcher is leading a $1.2 million NSF project to integrate climate records from stalagmites, corals, lake sediments, and tree rings to understand past changes in monsoon rainfall patterns. The study aims to improve decadal predictions and risk management for societies vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.
A Kyoto University study found that a 4 degree global temperature increase will intensify extreme precipitation and make it stronger by 7% per degree of warming. However, favorable conditions for extreme precipitation occur when atmospheric moisture is sufficient, not on the hottest days.
Researchers found a strong link between compound droughts and wildfires in California, leading to increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The study shows that severe droughts can substantially raise wildfire risk, with PM2.5 levels increasing by 9.5·m³ under extreme conditions.
Recent research from the American Meteorological Society reveals a false global heat record, suggests that severe weather events are increasing in frequency, and predicts an expansion of fire-prone areas. The study also examines the impact of cold wakes on tropical cyclone rainfall and finds that they intensify with global warming.
A study comparing Hurricane Helene and Milton found that people in coastal areas with frequent hurricane exposure were more likely to evacuate compared to inland areas. Access to transportation infrastructure, social norms, and risk perception shape evacuation decisions, researchers argue.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that 2023 marine heatwaves significantly exacerbated the record-breaking East Asian summer heatwave. The study revealed that changes in cloud cover and water vapor enhanced solar radiation reaching the ground, amplifying surface temperatures.
Researchers from Japan developed a new statistical method to increase accuracy of flood risk projections across 70% of the Earth's landmass. This approach merges climate scenarios with different socioeconomic pathways, offering policymakers powerful insights for adaptation and preparedness strategies.
A new study by Purdue University researchers reveals that hurricanes grow in size faster when traveling over locally warm waters, which can help improve daily forecasting of hurricane size and impacts. This discovery has the potential to better model hurricane size in long-term risk models used by industry.
A new study reveals that small electric charges between particles play a crucial role in forming highly concentrated clusters in turbulent environments. This discovery has significant implications for climate research, medicine, engineering, and science, enabling better predictions and controls.
A new study from Penn State researchers found that submerging hands and forearms in room-temperature tap water can effectively cool older adults and reduce their heart rate during extreme heat. The study demonstrated a reduction in core body temperature by about half a degree Fahrenheit, which may help prevent heat-related illnesses.
The University of Oklahoma is developing an AI-driven framework to predict tree failures before extreme weather events. The TREE-CARE project will integrate advanced technologies with local knowledge to develop solutions that directly benefit communities.
Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.
A study published in Nature Communications found that rising global temperatures may increase migration rates by up to a quarter among older and less educated adults, while decreasing them by as much as a third among the youngest and least educated groups. The research analyzed over 125,000 cases of cross-border migration and found tha...
Compound heat and air pollution episodes are becoming more frequent and intense in US cities, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found that urban areas experience more frequent overlaps of extreme heat with harmful air pollutants than surrounding rural areas.
Researchers from the University of Maryland tracked lightning storms in real-time using NASA's TEMPO instrument, detecting nitrogen oxide emissions that affect climate and air quality. The study reveals how lightning can produce pollutants that travel long distances, influencing air quality far from the original storm.
A new Philippine study reveals that the country's hottest days are more likely to produce hail, contradicting its typical balmy climate. The research used satellite and radar data to confirm the presence of strong updrafts and favorable conditions for hailstorms during hot periods.
A new model incorporates rainfall and storm surge, leading causes of hurricane deaths. The proposed scale aims to improve evacuation decisions by providing a more accurate picture of the storm's severity.
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.
The Chinese Meridian Project study found a dramatic 98% reduction in ionospheric electron density during the May 10-12 super geomagnetic storm, leading to complete loss of ionospheric backscatter echoes. The team also observed significant hemispheric asymmetry, with enhanced electron density in the Southern Hemisphere.
A study of over 40 research studies found that older adults often don't understand the risk of extreme heat and aren't prepared for long periods of hot weather. The researchers suggest that individuals themselves go through transformations as they age, which can affect their bodies' reactions to heat.
A cross-sectional study of 42 countries found that drought conditions are associated with increased intimate partner violence risk. The study suggests a pressing need for initiatives to prevent domestic violence in response to climate change.
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.
Higher-income households in US counties hit by floods and hurricanes are more likely to flee, taking their resources with them. This trend has significant economic impacts on at-risk communities, including reduced ability to recover from disasters and prepare for future catastrophes.
A new study reveals that a combination of large-scale atmospheric circulation and strong soil moisture feedback contributed to North China's record-breaking three-day heatwave in late June 2023. The study found that the extreme heat was amplified by an unusually dry season, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in some areas.
Researchers found a 9% increased risk of death from all causes for those living in flood-affected zip codes, with higher risks in Connecticut and New York City. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
Researchers used space-based instruments to measure a record-setting megaflash spanning 515 miles from Texas to Kansas City. Megaflashes are rare, occurring less than 1% of the time, and can be deadly, striking people up to 15 miles from their storm origin.
Researchers developed a new machine learning method to improve climate model projections, making them more accurate at both global and regional levels. The new tool addressed challenges in capturing observed patterns in compound extreme events, leading to improved projections of these events.
A team of scientists has developed a high-resolution climate model that simulates global climate change at 9 km atmospheric and 4-25 km oceanic scales. The model demonstrates superior performance compared to lower-resolution models, providing detailed regional insights into future climate conditions.
A study predicts that Barcelona will experience extreme and dry heat periods with temperature increases of up to 4ºC and a general reduction in relative humidity. The research forecasts an increase in average maximum temperatures of 4ºC and average minimum temperatures of 3.5ºC if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced.
A study found that declining aerosols are up to 2.5 times more influential than greenhouse gases in driving changes in heatwave occurrence in populated areas. Higher levels of aerosols suppressed heatwave exposure by reflecting the sun's rays, but this trend is now reversing due to clean air policies.
A new study published in Weather and Forecasting found that Hurricane Hunter flights can increase forecast accuracy by up to 24 percent. The researchers analyzed forecasts for all tropical cyclones in the Atlantic basin from 2018 to 2022, comparing forecasts with and without NOAA G-IV data.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
Researchers found that sewage spills from land to sea coincided with winds of at least 6.5m/s on 178 days within a two-year period, potentially sending microplastics into the air. The study suggests that coastal towns and cities may be exposed to billions of airborne microplastic particles.
China experienced severe rainstorms and flooding disasters in 2024, with the Yangtze River basin and southern regions witnessing intense rainfall. The country saw its second-longest heatwave on record, while autumn typhoons displayed exceptional intensity.
A new study synthesized over 70 publications on the 2021 heat wave, attributing it to a rare high-pressure ridge and increasing temperatures. The researchers predict that such events will become more frequent as the climate warms.
Researchers found several volatile phases in the polar jet stream over the past 125 years that predate significant climate change effects. The study suggests that natural fluctuations may be driving recent erratic behavior of the jet stream, rather than climate change.
A recent USC study found associations between increased exposure to wildfire smoke and heat stress during preconception and the first trimester with the odds of having a small-for-gestational-age infant. Living in a climate-vulnerable neighborhood can increase these risks, particularly for women exposed to heat stress.
Researchers developed models to quantify the risk of catastrophic blackouts during hurricanes and forecast climate impacts on energy systems. Their work aims to inform grid upgrades and navigate clean energy targets while maintaining reliability.
Researchers estimate that temperatures several degrees above the 2022 UK heatwave are plausible in today's climate, with a simulated maximum of over 45°C (113°F). The likelihood of 40°C will continue to rise as the climate warms.
A new tool, called the Condition Assessment Framework, makes it possible to assess the ecological equivalence of an area to be restored or protected in relation to a degraded area. It considers three important attributes: biodiversity, landscape, and ecosystem services.
Climate extremes are striking more frequently and intensely, posing a growing threat to public health across China. The review highlights the compounding impact of heatwaves, flooding, and air pollution, which often overlap and interact to amplify health risks.