Articles tagged with Extreme Weather Events
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 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.
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.
Researchers at Tufts University warn that vulnerable communities in the Southeastern US are at high risk of extreme heat and flooding events. To prepare for these disasters, they propose a framework to help communities anticipate and respond to unexpected events.
Researchers at Uppsala University predict that concurrent extreme events will become more frequent due to climate change, posing new challenges for preparedness. The study examines six types of events and finds a sharp increase in combinations of heatwaves and forest fires, as well as heatwaves and droughts, in various regions worldwide.
A new study found that heatwaves can increase disease burden by up to 13 times, driven by complex interactions between temperature attributes and baseline temperatures. This knowledge is crucial for predicting the impact of heatwaves on disease spread and highlights the need for more detailed models.
Researchers developed a new deep learning framework to predict extreme water levels during hurricanes, enabling smarter decisions and potentially saving lives. The framework, LSTM-SAM, analyzes patterns from past storms to make accurate predictions in areas with limited data, using transfer learning techniques.
A new study from Goethe University confirms that climate change and extreme weather events are devastating amphibian diversity. Analysis of global weather data reveals a direct connection between increased heat waves, droughts, and declining salamander populations.
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.
The University of Maryland-led study found that the bay experiences 25 days of heat waves annually, with a 10% uptick in recent years. Satellite data shows varying duration and frequency of heat waves across different regions of the bay, highlighting the need for a marine heat wave warning system.
A team of researchers developed a machine learning model called Aurora that accurately forecasts various Earth systems, including air quality and tropical cyclone tracks. The model outperforms traditional systems at a fraction of the cost, enabling better preparedness for extreme weather events.
Researchers have discovered that urban areas experience a greater difference in wet bulb globe temperature between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above ground due to surface heat radiation, posing health risks to children and pets during extreme heat events. Total solar eclipses also alter atmospheric conditions and insect behavior, with some species...
Researchers at Kyoto University found that reducing urban heat release can control summertime local precipitation, with potential to mitigate extreme weather issues. By systematically decreasing sensible heat fluxes over urban areas, the team demonstrated a link between urban heat island effect reduction and less intense rainfall.
A 19-year study finds that 20,000 people died from heatstroke and 15,000 from cold exposure in India between 2001 and 2019. The study identifies working-age men as most vulnerable to heat-related deaths, highlighting the need for measures such as shaded parking areas and relief provisions.
Tropical cyclones significantly reduce school enrollment, especially for girls in areas unaccustomed to frequent storms. The study found that exposure to any cyclone at preschool age decreases the likelihood of starting primary school by 2.5%, with a maximum decrease of 8.8% after intense storms.
The risk of wildfires is increasing due to climate change, leading to overlapping fire weather seasons in the two regions. The number of simultaneous fire weather days has been increasing by one day per year for the past 40 years, with projections suggesting an increase of up to 29 days per year by mid-century.
A new study by Simon Fraser University found gaps in BC's extreme heat response plans, with urban greening being the most common mitigation strategy. The research highlights the need for co-operation and co-ordination across jurisdictions to improve neighbourhoods and address socio-economic disparities.
The American Meteorological Society warns that catastrophic cuts to federal science agencies like NOAA threaten the US weather enterprise, which supports public safety, private sector operations, and national security. A strong weather enterprise is essential for America's economic leadership.
SYCIM2.0 brings together advanced components for ocean, atmosphere, and land surface modeling, offering flexible grid resolution for complex regions like the Indo-Pacific. The model shows impressive stability and energy balance in a 250-year test, closely matching real-world patterns of sea surface temperature and rainfall.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers lays out a scientific framework for tracing specific climate damages back to emissions from individual fossil fuel companies. The framework combines climate modeling with publicly available emissions data to provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale.
A new study by Hokkaido University found that colder temperatures significantly increase the risk of gastroenteritis among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's Kutupalong and Nayapara camps. The study reveals a link between temperature changes and gastroenteritis risk, with both extreme cold and heat contributing to higher numbers of cases.
The proposed elimination of NOAA Research would drastically undercut the scientific backbone needed for accurate weather forecasts and services. Key stakeholders like the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association urge action to maintain competitiveness in weather forecasting.
Scientists uncovered a rare thunderstorm near the North Pole, which came within 44 kilometers of the pole. The storm formed during an Arctic warming event and began at an altitude of 1.5 kilometers above the surface.
A team of scientists analyzed chemical signatures in hailstones to determine their growth histories, finding most hailstones follow simple trajectories rather than the previously assumed recycling motion. The study identified key thresholds for hail growth and suggests that strong updrafts are essential for severe hailstorms.
A new study by MIT scientists finds that extreme storm tides will increase tenfold for Bangladesh, with what was once a 100-year event now striking every 10 years by the end of the century. The country's densely populated coastal regions are expected to experience more frequent and severe flooding events as a result.
Recent research highlights increased fire activity in the western US, with wildfires becoming less prone to calming down at night. Meanwhile, extreme turbulence on hurricane flights has led to a new 'bumpiness' metric. Climate extremes are also evident in shifting energy demands for heating and cooling in Chinese megacities.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis analyzed rainfall data and found that the July 2022 floods were not as exceptional as initially thought. The study suggests storms like this will become more frequent due to global warming, which is increasing the frequency of extreme precipitation events.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.
A new study found that compound heatwaves significantly increase cardiac mortality and are more impactful than traditional binary definitions of heatwaves.
Recent 'unprecedented' floods are not exceptional if looking further into the past, new research suggests. Geological palaeo-flood records reveal many previous floods exceeded modern peaks, highlighting the need for using these records in flood planning.
A new study reveals that two dam failures and flawed risk assessment amplified the Derna Flood, which was nearly twentyfold more destructive than expected. The research highlights the urgent need for improved flood mitigation strategies, especially in dryland regions.
The SpongeBoost project visualizes sponge functions in wetlands using a comic book, simplifying complex concepts for experts and non-experts. The first edition of the comic book is available online, promoting nature-based solutions to enhance landscape resilience.
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.
A 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole in Belize provides the longest recorded storm frequency data for the Atlantic, with 574 storm events over 5,700 years. The research reveals a steady increase in tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean due to climate change.
A new poll found that nearly 3/4 of older Americans have experienced at least one extreme weather event, increasing their concern about climate change's effects on their health. Those who lived through such events are more likely to express worry about the impact on themselves and future generations.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores how heat stress affects US dairy production, finding a 1% decline in annual milk yield due to high heat and humidity. Small farms are hit harder than large farms, with yields declining by 1.6% annually.
A team of researchers has developed a toolkit to predict extreme weather events by combining conventional records with historical and natural archives. By analyzing tree rings, creating 'what-if' scenarios, and using climate models, scientists can now reconstruct centuries of drought patterns and uncover forgotten weather extremes.
A recent study found that intense east coast low storms and marine heatwaves caused the deaths of over 200 weedy seadragons on Sydney beaches. The extreme weather triggered record-breaking waves and rainfall, which seadragons struggle to handle.
A new study explores how policymakers can ease the burden of climate threats on people in informal settlements, refugee camps, and war zones. The researchers argue that these 'trapped populations' require tailored policies to adapt in their location or facilitate migration.
Research published in the European Heart Journal suggests that Australia's burden of cardiovascular disease caused by extreme heat will more than double by 2050. The study found that hot weather costs around 49,483 years of healthy life annually, with this number expected to increase significantly under climate change scenarios.
An international team of scientists has unveiled the first chromosome-scale genome of a wild barley species, identifying critical genetic adaptations that enable efficient nutrient intake under alkaline stress. The study developed a new hexaploid crop, Tritordeum, which exhibits significant yield improvements in harsh conditions.
Research proposes a new methodology for dynamically optimizing solar panel positioning based on the light needs of crops. Advanced ray tracing techniques are used to evaluate the distribution of solar radiation, enabling the automation of design optimization of agrivoltaic systems.
A new study found that higher temperatures reduce the effectiveness of natural mosquito repellents by desensitizing their pain receptors. This means mosquitoes may find these substances less irritating in hotter weather, potentially leading to increased bites and disease transmission.
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
A recent survey of nearly 500 small-scale farmers in Madagascar's northern Sava region found that nearly all are experiencing changes in temperature and rainfall, making farming more difficult. Many farmers are struggling to adapt to these changes and alter their practices despite recognizing the need for change.
Incarcerated individuals face heightened health risks from wildfires due to poor ventilation, inadequate infrastructure, and pre-existing medical conditions. Climate change is intensifying wildfire conditions worldwide, posing immediate and long-term health impacts on this vulnerable population.
A new study suggests that extreme weather events are crucial to understanding phenological responses in plants and insects. The research found that disruptions to the delicate relationships between certain species, such as the yucca plant and yucca moth, can have significant consequences for survival.
A new study by MIT confirms the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, with high statistical confidence that reductions in CFCs are the primary cause. The research uses fingerprinting to isolate the anthropogenic signal and rule out natural variability.
The US weather enterprise faces significant risks due to federal science funding cuts, which could lead to reduced weather forecasting accuracy and increased vulnerability to hazardous weather. The value of weather information to the US economy exceeds $100 billion annually.
A new study led by Qian Cheng found that unusual atmospheric circulation accounted for 83% of a record-breaking cold event in eastern China. The warming effect of climate change reduced the event's severity by up to 22%.
Researchers discovered reflective clouds on the western hemisphere of LTT 9779 b, a rare 'ultra-hot Neptune,' creating a striking contrast to its hotter eastern side. The team's findings reveal a delicate balance between intense heat from the star and the planet's ability to redistribute energy.
Researchers will use airborne GPR and ground-based TEM to collect rich geophysical data, estimating carbon storage and gas emissions in peatlands across a latitudinal gradient. The project aims to reduce uncertainty in these predictions and provide valuable information on how to better protect carbon stocks.
Researchers developed a durable de-icing surface inspired by human skin's layered structure, achieving exceptional performance with low ice adhesion strength. The surface design creates extensive wrinkling at the ice-substrate interface, allowing ice to shed under its own weight without external energy inputs.
A new study by the University of Graz finds that long-lasting intense cut-off lows will become more frequent in the Northern Hemisphere due to climate change. These storms can lead to prolonged heavy precipitation and increased flood risk in regions such as Canada, northern Europe, Siberia, and China.
A new study published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment finds that Arctic cyclones may contribute to the underpredicted decline of sea ice extent. The research suggests two theories: turbulent seas breaking up larger ice floes and upwelling increasing temperatures that help melt younger, thinner ice.
Researchers examined 16th-century written sources to understand climate change in Transylvania. The study found that hot weather was recorded more frequently than cold weather, with extreme events like floods and famines occurring due to climate variations.
A study found that excessive Tibetan Plateau spring warming was the primary factor driving catastrophic June 2024 heavy rainfall in southern China. The research used the ESM to simulate extreme warm temperatures over the TP and heavy rainfall in S. China, reproducing approximately 55% of the observed anomaly.
A new study from Stevens Institute of Technology reveals that solar-powered homes are resilient during summer heat waves but vulnerable during winter storms. Fully electrified homes, on the other hand, are nearly three times more susceptible to winter outages. The research uses AI tools to analyze energy patterns and identify vulnerabi...