Articles tagged with Extreme Weather Events
A new study introduces a scale to measure atmospheric river intensity, enabling the identification of hotspots for the most intense events worldwide. The scale helps communities prepare for both beneficial and destructive effects of these storms, with AR-5 events occurring only once every two to three years.
Researchers from Pusan National University studied compound extreme weather events in northern East Asia and found that a lack of soil moisture led to increased evaporative stress, amplifying heatwaves and triggering compound droughts and heatwaves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal safety.
Researchers found that seabird species have unique wind tolerance strategies, with some flying fast to counteract wind drift. Albatrosses can fly in most storm conditions, while tropical species use special avoidance tactics.
Research found that abnormally weak meridional potential vorticity gradients in the Northern Hemisphere atmosphere facilitated the development of stationary blocking weather patterns, leading to extreme cold weather and snowstorm events in East Asia and North America. The team predicts improved forecasting with more accurate PV modeling.
Researchers found a signal of extreme climate change from 50 million years ago in turbidite deposits, which are evidence of ancient rapid submarine water currents. This suggests that extreme weather events and exacerbated global climatic conditions can amplify delivery of sand into the deep ocean.
A new study from the University of North Carolina found that over ten new residences have been built in NC's 100-year floodplains for every residence removed through government buyouts. This trend contributes to increasing risk, despite community and government efforts to reduce flood damage.
A study using tree rings reveals a 400-year trend of increasing droughts and floods in the Kabul River Basin, with severe events becoming more frequent. The research suggests that climate change is intensifying hydrological cycles, leading to devastating consequences for natural resources management.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that US honey bee colony loss is primarily related to parasitic mites, extreme weather events, and nearby pesticides. The study integrated multiple large datasets at different spatial and temporal resolutions to assess various potential stressors associated with colony collapse across the US.
Researchers found that global wave models can vary in their estimates of extreme wave heights by up to 20 feet, which can lead to underprotected areas during extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for considering multiple models and modern observational data to better assess offshore and coastal risks.
A new study finds that climate risk insurance can effectively mitigate economic losses from US hurricanes under global warming, accelerating economic recovery. However, national insurance mechanisms in developing countries are insufficient to cope with extreme weather events, highlighting the need for international climate finance and ...
A new research project led by Associate Professor Marta Victoria aims to describe periods of extreme weather and design strategies for reliable renewable energy systems. The project, funded with DKK 6.2 million, will run for four years and focus on predicting and adapting to multiple adverse events.
A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.
Researchers found that the Southern Hemisphere is stormier than the Northern, with a 24% difference attributed to ocean circulation and mountain ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. The study also shows that storminess has increased since the 1980s, consistent with climate change forecasts.
A study by Hokkaido University reveals that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has caused more frequent heavy rainfall in the Mekong Delta, resulting in increased flooding risk. The findings suggest that better weather predictions and preparation can help mitigate the negative effects of floods and droughts in the region.
The Southern Hemisphere is stormier than the Northern due to ocean circulation and mountain ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the 1980s, storminess has increased in the Southern Hemisphere, while the Northern Hemisphere has seen negligible changes.
A new study confirms the link between climate change and the extreme 2021 heat wave, which set records in Canada and sparked devastating wildfires. The research reveals that human-induced warming has made such events increasingly feasible, with potential for repeats every 10 years by 2050.
A University of South Australia physicist has solved the long-standing mystery of lightning's zig-zag pattern and dark electric column. The breakthrough explains how singlet-delta metastable oxygen molecules create these steps.
UCF researchers are developing a wearable, wireless health monitor to track physiological response to heat stress in firefighters. The device aims to identify correlations between heat stress and skin thermal activity for the first time, providing insight into the link between heat stress and serious medical issues.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.
New research by University of Pittsburgh scientists finds that concrete pavements are sensitive to sharp air temperature variations during the day, even in mild climates. This can lead to devastating consequences for infrastructure, such as potholes and cracks, with thicker pavements being more vulnerable.
A team of UCF faculty will develop REACH hubs that provide critical services like cooling and broadband internet after disasters. The hubs will also serve as hazard-preparedness and STEM education centers.
Researchers used ancient leaf waxes and climate modeling to predict that warmer conditions will lead to stronger and more widespread summer rainfall across the southwest US. This is in contrast to drier subtropical regions experiencing aridity due to global warming.
New research suggests that the world will probably warm beyond the 1.5-degree limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, but peak warming can be minimized by adopting more ambitious climate pledges and decarbonizing faster. The study models scenarios to explore what degree of warming would likely follow different courses of action, highlig...
A new study by the University of Arizona found that tropical cyclones often follow extreme heat, which can be a major hazard after a storm. The research team analyzed 53 tropical cyclones and found that cities' heat index values were always warmer than average after the storm.
A team of 70 scientists warns that climate change will drastically reduce the ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy ecosystems. Insects face extinction and ecosystem disruption due to global warming and extreme weather events.
A new Concordia University study reveals that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves, have failed to drive government climate action. Despite the devastating economic and human costs of these disasters, governments have remained slow to enact meaningful reforms.
A Dartmouth study found that severe heat waves resulting from climate change have already caused massive economic losses worldwide. The research estimates $16 trillion was lost to the effects of high temperatures on human health, productivity, and agricultural output.
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
The Lancet Countdown report highlights the compounding effects of fossil fuel dependence on climate change, leading to severe health impacts worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to shift to clean energy and energy efficiency to mitigate these harms.
Researchers developed an AI-based model that combines artificial intelligence and weather forecast models to predict extreme wildfire danger with high accuracy. The new method can produce forecasts of extreme fire danger out to one week at finer scales (4km x 4km resolution), increasing its utility for fire suppression and management.
Researchers highlight climate-sensitive dermatological manifestations initiated or exacerbated by floods, wildfires, and extreme heat events. These events disproportionately affect marginalized populations, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Researchers found pelagic seabirds fly into the eye of a storm to reduce risk of injury or death. The birds' unique flight style allows them to navigate strong winds.
A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.
A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...
Researchers used counterfactual history to analyze the 2011 cloudburst, demonstrating a clear correlation between heat in the atmosphere leading up to the event and its intensity. The study shows that a century of human-caused temperature increases doubled the risk of similar or stronger cloudbursts in the future.
The University of Missouri has received a $25 million grant from the USDA to help farmers adapt to climate change through climate-smart practices. The five-year project aims to improve crop and livestock resilience on up to 500,000 acres of Missouri farmland.
Researchers found climate models are less accurate in projecting how tropical cyclones will affect individual coral reefs, highlighting the importance of targeted conservation efforts. The study urges caution when using climate models to identify vulnerable reef communities to storm damage.
New research shows that up to 50% of residences in Houston's Harris County would not have been flooded by Hurricane Harvey if it weren't for climate change. This equates to about 50,000 fewer homes damaged and billions of dollars saved.
A new study analyzing 157 mammal species found that those living a long time and having few offspring are less vulnerable to climate-driven population fluctuations. In contrast, short-lived rodents experience more extreme population changes due to their limited fat reserves and ability to quickly adapt.
Researchers at UC Berkeley find that the traditional heat index, which calculates how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity, fails to account for physiological responses to extreme heat. The new study suggests that this underestimation can lead to increased stress on the human body, particularly in sweltering conditions.
A study found that concurrent heat and drought events can have devastating effects on multiple sectors, including human health, energy, and agriculture. The research highlights the importance of considering compound extreme events in adaptation efforts to improve resilience.
A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.
Researchers have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as a communication signal to indicate plant stress, which is critical for crop survival and can significantly decrease with multiple stressors. By monitoring ROS levels, farmers can identify plants under stress and take corrective measures to prevent crop loss.
Researchers warn that climate change poses a significant threat to global food supply and stability, potentially triggering famine, conflicts, and new disease outbreaks. The study proposes a research agenda to explore worst-case scenarios, including 'warm wars' and ecosystem collapse, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Researchers evaluated the prediction of a record-breaking heatwave in the Pacific Northwest, finding that forecasts were able to accurately predict the event. The study highlights the importance of trust, preparedness, and early action when extreme weather is forecasted.
The 'Buen Aire Para Todos' project will create a new air quality monitoring system with stationary and mobile sensors, improving data on air quality for local residents. The project aims to expand community awareness, education, and outreach to help residents better understand air quality measurements.
The Three Gorges region experienced frequent climate extremes in 2021, including abundant rainfall and record-breaking extreme weather events. The study highlights the importance of monitoring climate anomalies and improving observations to better understand their impact on the region.
New research highlights how climate change enhances wildfire risk globally, but human actions and policies can mitigate regional impacts. The study assesses 500 previous papers and examines future fire weather trends to provide insight into the success or failure of climate policies.
Researchers analyzed the catastrophic failure of Japan's Misasa Railroad Bridge, revealing that flood hydrodynamic forces exceeded seismic design standards by nearly double. The study recommends increasing space under bridges to reduce submersion and designing structures to withstand overflow.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.
A new Johns Hopkins study reveals how simultaneous extreme weather events like heat waves and droughts can create dangerous cascades in the US. The research found that dueling weather events likely drove this year's New Mexico wildfire to historic proportions, with similar patterns expected under climate change.
Researchers examine historical data and weather patterns to understand west-side wildfires' timing, size, and causes. They find that severe fires are normal for the region when looking at longer time scales, and conventional fire management tools may be less effective due to extreme winds.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that extreme weather events exacerbate gender-based violence by creating socioeconomic instability, structural power inequalities, and mental stress. This can lead to physical injury, unwanted pregnancy, and long-term consequences for victims.
A study published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters found that tropical thunderstorms may influence the occurrence of persistent extreme cold events in Northeast China. Cloud clusters from the Madden-Julian oscillation can trigger cooling over the region, leading to extended periods of below-−30°C temperatures.
A new study reveals that Nor'easters produce flood levels just as severe as hurricanes, but occur much more frequently in the Mid-Atlantic region. The intense storms can cause significant damage and disruption along the coastline, with some events surpassing those from tropical cyclones.
A team of Australian scientists has analyzed rare earth elements in drilled reef cores to unveil a deep history of wild weather on the Great Barrier Reef. The study reveals that extreme runoff from intense monsoons affected water quality over 8,000 years ago, leading to reduced coral growth and reef decline.
In 2021, China experienced a new temperature high of 10.5℃, breaking the historical record since 1951. Annual precipitation was 672.1 mm, 6.7% above normal, with severe consequences including torrential rain, autumn floods, and heat waves. Despite some economic losses, crop area and human fatalities decreased significantly.
A new study found that extreme weather events can mobilize hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of sand into beach systems, potentially offsetting shoreline retreat caused by sea level rise. Researchers used high-resolution measurements and specialized equipment to track sand movement before and after storms.
A new study reveals the most intense heatwaves ever recorded globally, exposing some extreme weather events that went largely underreported in the past. The research uses climate models to project an increase in heatwave intensity in line with rising global temperatures.
A new online portal developed by UKCEH enables forecasters to provide communities with more reliable warnings about large storms in the Sahel region. The portal uses state-of-the-art weather forecast models to predict storm behavior, taking into account factors such as land surface temperatures, soil moisture, and atmospheric humidity.