Articles tagged with Extreme Weather Events
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 new study published in Nature suggests that Earth's last ice age may provide crucial insights into future El Niño weather events. Researchers used ancient shells of marine organisms and advanced climate modeling to shed light on how El Niño patterns might change in a warming world.
A researcher at UTA is developing a tracer tool to help water suppliers ensure safe and reliable drinking water during extreme weather events. The tool will enable better management of drinking water in Tarrant County, addressing concerns about water flow and distribution.
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.
Tree-ring data reveal that periodic shifts in strong winds high above the Earth's surface have driven opposite climates in different parts of Europe for the past 700 years. This research provides critical data to improve climate models, comparing past patterns to current trends and societal impacts.
Researchers found that contemplating pragmatic steps and fostering a sense of community can combat climate burnout. People are more likely to experience burnout when feeling despair about tackling climate change, but imagining a positive future where the crisis has been addressed can reduce disengagement.
A study published in Brain Communications found that heatwaves can trigger more seizures in individuals with severe epilepsy. Researchers used intracranial electroencephalography to track brain activity during heatwaves and non-heatwave periods, revealing a significant increase in seizure frequency during hot weather.
A new study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research confirms that climate change poses significant economic risks to different income groups. The poorest worldwide are particularly vulnerable, but the risk for the wealthy is growing at an alarming rate.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
A new study finds that 20% of the global population may face extreme weather risks if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut enough to reach the Paris Agreement's aims. Rapid clean-up of air pollution could exacerbate these changes, affecting 1.5 billion people in the next decade.
A new report published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the increasing health dangers posed by long-term weather extremes in the UK. The study finds that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to various health issues, including reduced physical activity and dementia.
A new model developed by scientists can predict intense, localized heavy rainfall events caused by rapid air rises in clouds. This breakthrough offers potential to improve public safety and preparedness through early warning systems.
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
A new AI approach accurately links heat waves to global warming, estimating that record-setting heat waves could occur multiple times per decade under higher warming levels. The method uses actual historical weather data and machine learning to predict the magnitude of extreme events.
Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can significantly reduce the intensity of future conflagrations, with effects lasting up to 20 years in certain climates. Researchers found that these reburns have a moderating effect on forest resilience, even during extreme weather conditions.
A study published in PLOS Water found associations between weather, geographic location, and urban/rural settings with waterborne infectious disease hospitalizations. Hospitalization rates were higher for enteric and biofilm-forming bacterial pathogens in areas using groundwater, while precipitation increased parasitic infections.
The State of Wildfires report found that carbon emissions from wildfires globally were 16% above average, with Canada and Amazonia experiencing unusually high numbers of fires. Climate change increased the likelihood of extreme wildfires in these regions by at least three times and up to six times.
A March 2022 weather event in Antarctica caused record-high death rates for invertebrate organisms. The event, which resulted in a massive thaw, was studied to understand its impact on the ecosystem and predict future responses to climate change.
A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...
Research on wind farms reveals their potential to slow tropical cyclone winds and reduce precipitation. Additionally, a study found that people experiencing homelessness are four times more likely to suffer temperature-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, than the general population.
Researchers at USC developed a new method to accurately predict wildfire spread using satellite data and artificial intelligence. The model offers a potential breakthrough in wildfire management and emergency response, providing more precise and timely data for firefighters and evacuation teams battling wildfires.
Scientists have discovered that planted mangroves can store a significant amount of carbon, reaching levels comparable to those in intact stands after just 20 years. The study used logistic models compiled from over 700 planted mangrove stands worldwide and found that the trees' carbon stock reached 71-73% of that found in intact stands.
Researchers have developed a new method to simulate Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves in weather forecast models, which could enhance accuracy for predicting hurricanes and heavy rainfall. The study found that current models poorly simulate these waves, indicating a need for future improvements.
China's 2023 annual temperature was the highest on record, with a warm-dry climate featuring record-breaking heatwaves and severe droughts. The country experienced heavy precipitation events and floods despite lower overall rainfall and fewer rainy days.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.
Forecaster.health predicts temperature-related mortality risks for different population subgroups based on sex and age. The system issues color-coded warnings for 580 European regions, considering social determinants of vulnerability.
A recent study highlights the need for effective contingency plans and local community involvement in disaster response to mitigate losses. The analysis of landslides in São Sebastião, Brazil, revealed a breakdown in the early warning system, resulting in significant economic and human costs.
A new study suggests that human activities may actually reduce the severity of droughts in certain regions. Climate model simulations indicate that aerosols and greenhouse gases produced by human activities have opposite effects on atmospheric chemical composition and precipitation mechanisms. This research challenges previous conclusi...
Researchers observed extreme cold temperatures across a broad region of Antarctica in late winter 2023, with record low temperatures recorded at multiple locations. The study highlights the importance of understanding atmospheric environments that lead to extreme cold temperatures and their impact on Antarctic operations.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.
Texas A&M University researchers have developed a 3D visualization technology to identify potential outcomes of hurricane flooding before it occurs. This allows for improved safety and reduced damage costs. The technology can also model specific buildings, accounting for basements, back entrances, and windows.
A team of scientists has found a correlation between atmospheric blocking over Scandinavia and the Ural Mountains and extreme weather events in Svalbard. The study suggests that this phenomenon is driving Arctic warming and mass loss of ice.
Arctic sea ice is expected to lose mass in the coming decade due to dominant natural climate patterns. Exposure to extreme temperatures, particularly heat, may lead to adverse birth outcomes in China. Researchers also found that ocean warming intensifies typhoons, but moderation comes from atmospheric temperature and humidity changes.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Cerrado biome in Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in at least 700 years, caused by global warming. The research used chemical analysis of stalagmites to extend the perception of drought back seven centuries and linked it to disruption in the hydrological cycle.
Climate change is driving sudden onset of drying in South America and southern Africa, while Central Asia sees increased moisture due to warming temperatures
Climate change has led to decreased pollen production from plants, resulting in less diversity among pollinators, which could significantly impact food production. The study, conducted in the Great Basin region, examines how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect pollinator availability.