Articles tagged with Extreme Weather Events
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
Research highlights the impact of wind on wildfire growth, with areas in the US Southeast vulnerable to extreme heat and precipitation events. Meanwhile, a study suggests the 'drought' of EF5 tornadoes may be due to stricter ratings rather than changes in tornadoes.
A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.
Babies and children are more susceptible to frostbite due to faster heat loss and impaired judgment from extreme cold. Shriners Children's Boston advises taking breaks every 15 minutes to prevent frostbite in children and teens.
Scientists identified two extremely cold summers in northern Norway using pine trees and juniper shrubs. The researchers found that the number of blue rings correlated with cooling events, suggesting that these plants can serve as indicators of past climate change.
Researchers analyzed tropical storm-related precipitation to understand its impact on local water resources and provide insights into climate predictions. The study aims to help communities prepare for extreme storms and manage water resources before and after the storms.
2024 saw exceptional rainfall and flooding due to El Niño in winter 2023/24. Human-induced climate change exacerbated these events, causing socioeconomic impacts. Improved forecasting, warning dissemination, and 'climate-resilient' approaches are crucial for mitigating extreme event effects.
A new study finds that ocean warming in 2024 has led to record-breaking temperatures across the globe, including a 16 zettajoule increase in upper 2000m ocean heat content. This rise in temperature affects weather patterns and marine life, with significant implications for climate change.
Research links intensifying hydroclimate whiplash to the atmosphere's ability to absorb and release more water as temperatures rise. This 'whiplash' sequence in California has increased fire risk by twofold, with severe drought followed by record-breaking rainfall.
Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.
Early online research reveals associations between snowmelt timing, wildfires in Alaska, and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones. The impact of climate patterns on extreme weather events is a growing concern.
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
A research team led by Dr Sophie Warken analyzed dripstones from the Cloşani Cave in Romania to understand precipitation variability over a period of approximately 20,000 years. The findings show that dynamic processes like the North Atlantic jet stream influence regional changes in precipitation.
A recent study found that socioeconomic inequalities trap local governments in a cycle of limited resources, rising inequality, and declining capacity to meet citizens' needs. Strategic, targeted interventions are necessary to break the cycle of inequality and enhance public satisfaction with local governance.
A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.
Researchers analyzed over 200,000 US weather events between 1991 and 2019 to find that wages experience persistent losses while incomes recover gradually. The poorest counties suffer more severe losses, highlighting the need for public intervention and adaptation policies.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies during heat waves in Milan. The research found that 23% of the city's population in 18 vulnerable districts face a 22% increased risk, while 20 low-vulnerability districts show no significant increase.
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.
A new study reveals that lower-quality public housing units are disproportionately located in areas with high flood risk, putting residents at risk of catastrophic damage. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color and those with limited ability to recover from flooding.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered that relatively warm and sunny days may help to trigger major dust storms on Mars. The team found that roughly two-thirds of these storms are preceded by a sharp rise in surface temperatures, which can lead to explosive weather patterns.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that agricultural land preserved around river confluences can reduce flood risks, with stronger correlation near confluence points. This Eco-DRR approach uses existing environmental resources to improve resilience against flooding.
A new study from Tel Aviv University uses smartphone data to predict wildfire risk, overcoming individual device errors by averaging large amounts of public data. The method provides valuable insights into wildfire evaluation, especially in remote areas lacking traditional weather stations.
A study by USC Dornsife scientists used satellite imagery, digital models, and field data to analyze the June 2021 Melamchi flood's triggers. The research found that heavy monsoon rainfall combined with excessive snowmelt overwhelmed river systems, causing catastrophic flooding.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks report highlights environmental changes and extremes impacting Alaskans and their livelihoods. Warmer temperatures are particularly notable in winter, with the northern state experiencing an 8.2°F increase.
Research team uncovers a novel signaling axis regulating stomatal aperture under high temperature and/or drought conditions. The study, published in Nature Plants, identifies a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism controlling stomatal opening and closing, paving the way for developing climate-adapted crops.
A new study provides the first worldwide map of high-risk regions experiencing accelerating extreme heat, surpassing climate model simulations. The most hard-hit areas include central China, Japan, and northwestern Europe, where sequences of heat waves led to thousands of deaths in 2022 and 2023.
A global partnership has committed over $1 billion to scale up weather services for hundreds of millions of farmers across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, farmer-centered forecasts using AI-supported weather forecasting to build resilience and support adaptation to climate change.
Researchers analyzed data from southern Israel to find significant electric field changes during heavy precipitation, suggesting early indicators for extreme weather. The study highlights the potential of incorporating electric field observations into weather monitoring systems for enhanced nowcasting capabilities.
New studies reveal significant increases in Atlantic hurricane seasons and derecho events, while also highlighting the dangers of turbulence near thunderstorms and extreme heat stress. Climate models predict a rise in precipitation extremes across US cities, particularly during winter and spring.
Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute have developed a new approach called 'storylines' that uses probabilistic attribution studies and 'nudging' techniques to identify the fingerprints of climate change in extreme weather events. By comparing hypothetical scenarios with reality, they can determine how much more probable an event...
Research shows that power systems with higher weather-dependent renewable energy sources (WD-RESs) tend to have reduced blackout intensities in the US. High WD-RES penetration does not worsen the weather vulnerability of power systems, even during extreme weather events.
Researchers found using a fan with skin wetting reduces heat-induced cardiac strain in older people in hot and humid conditions. However, in very hot and dry conditions, fan use had an adverse effect, while skin wetting alone was effective in reducing heart work.
A new international study found that even wind-adapted albatrosses struggle to find food during very stormy weather, highlighting the impact of climate change on these birds.
A new study reveals significant acceleration in the upper-ocean circulation of the equatorial Pacific, driven by intensified atmospheric winds. The research provides a spatial view of long-term trends from observations, with potential impacts on regional and global climate patterns.
The PICCOLO project aims to improve understanding of clouds and convective storms in the tropics, with the ORCESTRA campaign utilizing sea-borne and air-borne teams to collect data. Researchers collected detailed information on precipitation, cloud microphysics, and convective dynamics.
A Dartmouth study has quantified the global economic fallout of El Niño, finding it costs the economy $4.1 trillion and $5.7 trillion in the half-decade after each event. The study's findings are included in the 10 New Insights in Climate Science report ahead of COP29.
A new study used the 2023 Texas-Louisiana heat wave as a test case to establish processes for evaluating extreme weather events. The researchers found that the heat wave was directly related to climate change and will see even hotter heat waves in the future.
A new study suggests that a slowing Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could reduce projected Arctic warming by 2 degrees Celsius. However, this slowdown may also cause other climate disruptions, such as changes in the Intertropical Convergence Zone and sea level rise.
A collaborative project between the UK and China aims to develop actionable climate information for the tea industry, informing adaptation measures and decision-making. The Tea-CUP project focuses on Yunnan Province, where climate variability affects tea yield and quality, and has broader implications for sustainable development.
Researchers estimate that climate change played a significant role in the severity of the 2022 European drought, which affected an area larger than at any time since 1960. The study found that climate change contributed to 31% of the soil moisture deficit and 38% of the drought-affected area.
A new study uses deep learning to infer the frequency of atmospheric blocking events over the past 1,000 years, shedding light on their potential impact under climate change. The model was trained using historical data and large ensembles of climate model simulations.
A new study found that extreme heat increases mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness, particularly in hot-climate US counties like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Heat exposure is estimated to be 10-100 times greater among unhoused individuals than in the general population.
Researchers created a modeling tool to design more robust marine hydrokinetic technologies and inform risk assessments for financing and permitting. The tool estimates the fragility curve of devices, helping developers create mooring systems that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
A recent study finds that long-term changes in tropical weather patterns are leading to increased frequency of heatwaves and extreme rainfall in the Indo-Pacific region. Global warming is likely a contributing factor, exacerbating regional weather extremes.
Researchers have confirmed that El Niño causes a drastic reduction in the snow-covered area of the Quelccaya Ice Cap in the Peruvian Andes. The study used NASA Landsat satellites to measure the ice cap's sensitivity to climate shifts, finding that it lost about 58% of its snow cover between 1985 and 2022.
Researchers estimate the dollar value of weather information to be over $100 billion, highlighting its significant economic impact. The study also explores lightning suppression and a unique 'storm generator' technology that can create thunderstorms in Chinese desert.
A new study reveals that extreme El Niño events are responsible for the increased sensitivity of CO₂ in the atmosphere to tropical temperatures. This finding challenges previous assumptions about climate change and highlights the importance of understanding internal climate variability.
The study found that South America is experiencing a significant increase in the co-occurrence of multiple climate extremes, including heat, drought, and flammable conditions. This has amplified impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health, particularly affecting vulnerable rural and indigenous populations.
A new study led by University of Illinois Chicago scientist Akintomide Akinsanola found that most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming. Winter precipitation and extreme weather events are expected to increase across most of the country, with six regions experiencing more frequent very wet winters.
A University of Illinois study found that climate conditions can mitigate the effects of grazing on water quality, suggesting a more flexible approach to stocking rates and grazing continuity. The research developed a modeling framework to simulate nitrogen transport from livestock grazing under different climate conditions.