Articles tagged with Extreme Weather Events
A study by Penn State researchers found correlations between natural disasters, declining farm income, and opioid overdoses in rural America. Opioid-related deaths are increasing in rural counties, with a 10% rise for every $10,000 reduction in net farm income.
A Rutgers University-Camden study found that urban insects are more resilient in extreme weather due to adaptations to high-stress urban environments. Arthropod diversity declined after Hurricane Sandy in New York City parks, becoming indistinguishable from street medians.
Researchers found a correlation between Arctic warming and extreme UK weather events, particularly winter storms and summer rainfall. The study suggests that changes in the North Atlantic jet stream and Greenland high-pressure blocking may be driving these trends.
A record-breaking cold event in Eastern China in 2016 was found to be less likely due to human influences, with anthropogenic forcings estimated to have reduced the likelihood by about 2/3.
Research highlights the need to understand long-term health effects of extreme weather, including chronic psychological impacts and vulnerability in local infrastructure. Coordinated programs are essential for recovery and rebuilding, with healthcare facilities needing to ensure they can withstand disruptions.
Researchers found that high temperatures weaken plant defenses while strengthening bacterial attacks, making plants more vulnerable to infection. However, treatment with a chemical that mimics salicylic acid can effectively protect plants from infection at elevated temperatures.
A new study models the impact of changing precipitation patterns in northern European and North American cities, finding that urban runoff is strongly controlled by built-up versus vegetated surfaces. The research also highlights the importance of wintertime climate for northern cities' flood risks.
A recent study found that extreme weather events do not significantly increase support for climate policies, even among those who experienced severe weather. The study suggests that other factors, such as political beliefs and party affiliation, play a much larger role in shaping attitudes towards climate change.
Research by University of Montana postdoctoral fellow Shane Campbell-Staton found significant increases in cold tolerance at the species' southern limit. Gene expression in southern survivors shifted toward patterns characteristic of northern populations, revealing rapid phenotypic, regulatory and genomic shifts.
A new study tracks natural selection in green anole lizards that survived a record-breaking winter in Texas, revealing a shift towards more robustness against cold weather. The research provides valuable insights into how extreme weather events affect natural populations and the evolution of species.
Scientists at the University of York found that the 1976 drought was the most devastating event for butterflies and moths in 50 years. The study measured data against extreme weather events since 1968, revealing a significant impact on over 50 species. Researchers warn that global warming may exacerbate such events in the future.
Researchers from Netherlands Institute of Ecology launch a new approach to studying extreme climatic events and their long-term impact on nature. The study highlights the difficulty in predicting consequences due to varying species responses, but also identifies key areas for future research.
A recent study suggests that human-made climate change is likely influencing giant planetary waves, which can transport heat and moisture around the globe. These waves can stall, causing droughts or floods. The research found that warming caused by greenhouse-gases from fossil fuels creates favorable conditions for such events.
Researchers found a connection between climate change and extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods, due to the impact of warming Arctic temperatures on the jet stream. The study used historical atmospheric observations and confirmed that this temperature pattern corresponds with persistent extreme weather events.
Researchers tracked social media posts with specific tags before extreme weather events to identify areas at risk. This early warning system has the potential to improve prediction and monitoring of floods and other natural hazards, saving lives and protecting homes.
Researchers found that extreme heat during pupal life stages is detrimental to over half of UK species, while precipitation can be detrimental to up to a quarter. However, some life stages may benefit from climatic extremes, with warm summers causing positive population changes in over one-third of the UK species.
A new study found that climate change may be amplifying the effects of wavy jet stream patterns, contributing to severe cold winters. The research improves long-term forecasting of winter weather in populous regions, benefiting communities and economies.
Researchers require improved techniques to grasp climate change causes and its impact on communities, according to Professor Peter Stott. Better information will help policymakers safeguard people from extreme weather events.
A recent study found an increase in atmospheric high pressure systems over Greenland since the 1980s, leading to extreme weather patterns and warmer air. This is caused by strong Arctic warming and changes in the atmospheric jet stream.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene documents the public health impacts after devastating flooding on a South Pacific island. Researchers found that 31 people died, mostly children under 14, and many more were injured or affected by infectious diseases.
Record Balkan floods of 2014 were likely caused by the temporary slowdown of giant airstreams and planetary wave resonance. The study found that extreme rainfall events are strongly increasing in the region, even more than globally observed.
A study by James Cook University scientists found that lizards in environmentally variable areas can tolerate more fluctuations, leading to wider ranges. Climate change predictions are met with evidence of species adapting to extreme weather events.
A new study led by McGill University and the University of British Columbia found that droughts have a significant impact on cereal crop production, particularly in developed nations. The research analyzed data from 177 countries and found that global production lost to extreme weather events averaged around 9-10%.
A new study published in Nature found that droughts and extreme heat reduced global cereal harvests by an average of 9-10% between 1964 and 2007. The impact was greatest in North America, Europe, and Australasia, where production levels dropped by 19.9%.
A study ranks six American cities on their preparedness for climate change, with Portland ranking number one. The research found that the political culture of a city plays a significant role in its ability to prepare for extreme weather events linked to climate change.
A six-year ASU experiment found that extreme weather events affect plant species differently, with grasses declining and shrubs flourishing under alternating wet and dry years. This shift could have serious consequences for humans relying on grasslands for food, particularly cattle ranchers.
The Desert Research Institute's new WINDS platform provides actionable insight for businesses, utilities, and municipalities impacted by extreme weather. With improved weather forecast data and sensor networks, the platform translates data into decision-making support frameworks.
Researchers from ASU's School of Sustainability and surrounding institutions are developing holistic methods to assess urban infrastructure resilience. The team aims to incorporate natural systems into designs, creating 'safe-to-fail' scenarios that balance social, ecological, and technical needs.
Research by University of Sheffield scientists links Arctic warming to extreme weather events in the UK and US, suggesting a connection between warmer Arctic temperatures and mid-latitude weather patterns. The study found increased variability in the jet stream and high pressure over Greenland, contributing to variable UK winters.
A new study assesses risks of extreme weather to North Texas roads and runways, predicting significant disruptions by 2100. The researchers found a high likelihood of transportation disruption and widespread damage during the spring season, with heat-related risks increasing during summer.
The German Meteorological Service sponsors a new professorship to enhance numerical weather forecasting models. Researchers focus on the atmospheric boundary layer, a critical component in predicting extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and near-ground winds for wind farms and solar facilities.
Researchers aim to quantify global warming's influence on extreme climate and weather events, focusing on unprecedented events. Advanced statistical techniques and long-term climate observations are used to analyze the relationship between human influence and extreme event probabilities.
The King Fire in California has burned over 92,960 acres since its start in September 2014. The fire is currently 38% contained, with arson as the suspected cause, and is being battled by over 7,600 personnel. Extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity, are exacerbating the fire's behavior.
Scientists from the University of Sheffield found that British winters have become increasingly unstable, with contrasting conditions between mild and stormy to cold and snowy. The research suggests a significant rise in variation in weather patterns over the last century, particularly during December.
Researchers found that trapped atmospheric waves are becoming more frequent, leading to more extreme weather events, particularly during periods of prolonged warm air transport from the tropics to mid-latitudes.
A new study reveals that regional weather extremes are strongly related to large-scale wave patterns in the atmosphere. The research found that certain regions of Europe, Asia, and the US are more prone to prolonged bouts of unseasonal weather, including hot and cold spells, droughts, and wet periods.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change has shown that Arctic warming is actually reducing the risk of cold extremes across large swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. Autumn and winter days are becoming warmer on average, with less variability from day-to-day, making extremely cold days less likely.
New research from Carnegie Institution scientists highlights the need for policy decisions based on sound science, rather than anecdotal information about local weather. The study finds that even as extreme weather events influence public opinion and support for climate change mitigation, waiting for people to experience these conditio...
The EASAC report highlights a 60% rise in extreme weather events in Europe over the last 30 years, including heatwaves, floods, and storms. The report emphasizes the need for immediate EU-driven action to adapt to future climate disruption and reduce uncertainties in regional climate models.
The new journal aims to improve forecasts and early warning systems for weather extremes. It publishes research on managing such events for academics, decision makers, and creating a resilient society.
The University of Oklahoma leads the Southern Plains Regional Transportation Center, a $2.6 million grant-funded project. The center aims to address regional transportation infrastructure challenges through education, research, and technology transfer.
Extreme weather events, such as Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, have been shown to increase support for environmental policies and a belief in human-caused climate change. Researchers found that individuals who were particularly affected by the storms showed a stronger preference for politicians promoting green policies.
A new study by Stanford scientists found that extreme weather events, such as record-breaking heat, are more likely to occur in the US due to global warming. The researchers analyzed historical weather data and climate models to quantify the increased risk of severe heat events.
Researchers found that extreme weather events like droughts, heat waves, and storms reduce the amount of carbon absorbed by terrestrial ecosystems, equivalent to about a third of global CO2 emissions per year. Satellites and recording stations documented the effects of these events on forests, bogs, and grasslands.
A UK study found that every degree fall in winter air temperature corresponds to a 1.3% drop in ambulance response time. The research analyzed data from Birmingham over five years and showed that extreme weather conditions significantly affected daily ambulance call-outs and response times.
A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that man-made climate change traps giant waves in the atmosphere, leading to extreme weather events. The researchers found that prolonged periods of heat stress can occur when warm air is unable to escape, resulting in devastating consequences.
A study published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Genetics found that coral DNA variations correlate with water temperature and clarity, which can inform reef conservation efforts. The research team identified specific genes involved in immune response and stress-induced cell-death, suggesting that corals with certain genet...
Climate change is projected to increase the risk of heat waves, heavy rains, and droughts. Preparing resilient communities with disaster preparations, early warning systems, and well-built infrastructure can help mitigate these impacts.
Research suggests that human-driven climate change will lead to more frequent and severe weather events in the US, including multi-day heat waves and heavy precipitation. As a result, extreme weather-related disasters are expected to incur significant expenses, affecting both public funds and private equity.
A team of meteorologists has overturned the world's hottest temperature record from 90 years ago, revising it to 134 F (56.7 C) recorded in Death Valley, Calif., due to systematic errors in the original measurement. The investigation found that an inexperienced observer may have made the error with a obsolete thermometer.
Scientific analysis strengthens the view that record-breaking summer heat, drought, and other extreme weather events are caused by human activities and global warming. Nobel laureate Mario J. Molina suggests a new international agreement to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Recent extreme weather events show a clear link to global warming, according to a new analysis of scientific evidence. The study found that warming temperatures lead to more frequent heatwaves and heavy rainfall, but the relationship with storms is less clear.
A new study published in Climatic Change identifies political mobilization by elites and advocacy groups as the driving factor behind public opinion on climate change. The research found that information-based science advocacy has a minimal effect on public concern, while elite cues and economic factors play a crucial role.
Researchers at the Geological Society of America meeting connect extreme weather events over the past decade to climate change. Warmer oceans, fueled by increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas releases, contribute to more frequent and intense storms, droughts, and wildfires.
Researchers will analyze social and economic impacts of atmospheric blocking events from the 20th century. They aim to develop new methods for spotting and predicting this rare weather phenomenon, which can trigger extreme conditions such as heat waves and flooding.
The 20th Century Reanalysis Project has created a comprehensive reanalysis of global weather events from 1871 to the present day. The dataset provides key historical comparisons for our own changing climate, allowing researchers to understand the impact of extreme weather and climate events over time.
A team of scientists believes extreme weather may have caused the disappearance of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine during their historic 1924 Everest expedition. Researchers analyzed newly uncovered historical data, including barometric pressure measurements, to conclude that a very intense storm likely contributed to their death.
A new study predicts that climate volatility will deepen poverty vulnerability in developing countries, particularly among the urban poor. The research, published in Environmental Research Letters, uses a new methodology to understand and predict the effects of climate change on food prices and wages in vulnerable countries.
A study by the University of Bayreuth and Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research found that extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains can postpone or accelerate plant flowering times in Central Europe. On average, a one-month drought postponed the time of flowering by 4 days, equivalent to a decade of global warming.
An analysis of US city-specific weather data reveals that global warming will lead to more deaths in summer due to extreme temperatures. Deaths from all causes are known to rise when temperatures go up, and heart attacks and cardiac arrests are more likely when it is very cold.