Researchers from the University of Maryland tracked lightning storms in real-time using NASA's TEMPO instrument, detecting nitrogen oxide emissions that affect climate and air quality. The study reveals how lightning can produce pollutants that travel long distances, influencing air quality far from the original storm.
A new Philippine study reveals that the country's hottest days are more likely to produce hail, contradicting its typical balmy climate. The research used satellite and radar data to confirm the presence of strong updrafts and favorable conditions for hailstorms during hot periods.
Researchers at Princeton University found that major tropical eruptions create distinct flooding patterns depending on plume location and dispersal. The patterns mostly divide along the line of the equator, with increased rainfall in the tropics in one hemisphere and decreased flooding.
Researchers optimized a key land surface parameter to reduce the wet bias of climate models for the Tibetan Plateau. The adjustments weakened land-atmosphere interactions, leading to a 16% decrease in precipitation estimates and improved accuracy at 66% of rain gauge stations.
Researchers improved WRF model precipitation simulation by optimizing Grell-Freitas cumulus scheme and Turbulent Orographic Form Drag scheme. This approach reduced overestimation of precipitation across the Tibetan Plateau.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
The ERIC system combines doorbell cameras and AI to analyze rainfall estimation and automatically adjusts irrigation schedules for more precise water use. Researchers estimate users can save up to $29/month in utility costs and 9,000 gallons of water per month with the innovative irrigation system.
A new study uses 100 ensemble members to analyze near-term precipitation projections for the QP, finding a complex east–west dipole pattern influenced by the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation. This helps increase consistency of precipitation projections.
A study of tree pollen records in Northern Australia reveals a 150,000-year record of monsoon patterns, showing a potential intensification of the monsoon system due to climate change. This could lead to increased flooding in Australia and droughts in East Asia.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that warmer summer temperatures increase tree growth, but less snow on the ground slows this growth significantly. This means that New England forests' ability to store carbon in future climate scenarios is likely overestimated.
Researchers analyzed leaf waxes and found no significant drying trend in northern Africa between 3.5 and 2.5 million years ago. This challenges previous interpretations of the climate history of the region. The study suggests that dust deposits may be attributed to changes in wind patterns rather than rainfall.
A new study predicts that a 2°C temperature rise could double the frequency of short-lived summer downpours in the Alpine region, causing severe damage and posing risks to lives. The analysis of nearly 300 mountain weather stations found that warm air retains more moisture, intensifying thunderstorm activity.
A new study reveals that the Pacific Meridional Mode plays a major role in Hawaiian rainfall variability, particularly in spring. The research suggests that El Niño emerges as the primary driver of winter rainfall, but the PMM is crucial for spring rainfall, especially on Maui and the Island of Hawai‘i.
A new study reveals the atmosphere can store moisture over extended periods, creating a physical memory effect. This 'memory' allows monsoon systems to flip between two stable states, with severe consequences for regions relying on monsoon rainfall.
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.
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.
A Cornell University-led study predicts long-term increases in precipitation over East Asia and the Western U.S. as the Southern Ocean warms, regardless of climate mitigation efforts. The research suggests that accounting for cloud feedbacks in climate models can help explain uncertainties and improve predictions.
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.
Researchers from the University of Oxford discovered that rainfall in the Sahara Desert increased between 8,700 and 4,300 years ago, coinciding with a rise in Neolithic archaeological sites. This finding highlights the importance of a favourable climate on early pastoralist societies, which relied on rainfall for their livestock.
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 new study reveals that increased aridity leads to a decrease in plant species diversity in drylands. The research found that the biomass of dominant plant species can obscure this effect, and past extreme droughts strengthen the link between rainfall and species diversity.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers at HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research found that specific climate periods can shift by several months or even six months within a year, affecting species distribution. This shift poses significant challenges for distribution models, potentially leading to extinction or migration of species.
A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
A new study reveals that risks to global water security are significantly higher when considering the environmental conditions and governability of areas where moisture evaporates before falling as rain. This approach identifies regions with high water scarcity risk, including those dependent on neighboring countries for upwind moisture.
A new study finds that human-induced climate warming has driven increasing precipitation variability over much of the globe, with hotspots in Europe, Australia, and eastern North America. The amplified variability poses significant threats to climate resilience, infrastructure development, agriculture, and ecosystems.
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.
A UC Riverside study found that large fires in California create a self-sustaining cycle of heat and dryness, making it easier for new fires to start. The extra heat reduces humidity, allowing conditions to become favorable for more fire.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
Researchers found isolated deep convection (IDCs) mainly concentrate in the southern Tibetan Plateau, with an average of 54.2 IDCs per rainy season. IDCs contribute up to 70% of extreme precipitation in July and August, highlighting their significant role in regional weather patterns.
A study from Colorado State University explores how human activity is altering the atmospheric water cycle, leading to changes in precipitation distribution and cloud formation. The research uses science fiction narratives to imagine possible futures and spark conversations around water management policies.
Research shows that long-term declines in pronghorn productivity are associated with increased oil and gas development and woody encroachment. Manual removal of trees and controlled burning could help protect iconic rangeland species like pronghorn.
A recent Harvard University study found that soil moisture increased across 57% of the US during summer between 2011-2020, contradicting the assumption that rising temperatures lead to drier soils. Precipitation, rather than temperature, is the primary driver of soil moisture trends.
The FengYun 3G (FY-3G) satellite is a groundbreaking tool for measuring global precipitation, offering high-resolution 3D renditions of falling precipitation. The satellite's data will aid in predicting extreme weather events and inform the development of future precipitation satellites.
Researchers found that joint action of tropical and extratropical variations led to persistent heavy rainfall over Japan. The study revealed a link between upper-tropospheric blocking high, near-surface atmospheric flow, and cumulus convection in enhancing the northwestern Pacific subtropical high.
A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.
The researchers developed an AI-based generative neural network called GAN that can generate highly resolved radar precipitation films from coarsely resolved maps. This higher resolution is required to better forecast heavy local precipitation and the resulting natural disasters in future.
A GEOMAR study found that low North Atlantic sea surface temperatures are responsible for heat events on land. The researchers discovered a link between cold ocean temperatures and European heat waves, which contributes to the formation of high pressure systems and clear skies.
Researchers evaluated global water models using new approach, finding inconsistencies in climate regions and water extremes, with implications for agriculture and groundwater use. The study highlights the need for improved model evaluation methods to inform decision makers and improve model development.
Researchers found that the coastline produces up to five times more giant sea salt aerosols than the open ocean, affecting cloud formation and rainfall around the Hawaiian Islands. The study's findings can improve numerical weather prediction of nearshore cloud formation and rainfall patterns.
A new study reveals a disturbing trend of increased short-duration extreme precipitation over mountainous regions in Southwest China, exacerbating climate change impacts. The research finds that these events are more frequent and intense than total precipitation, posing significant risks to lives and ecosystems.
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.
Researchers predict a shift from drying to wetting in the Himalayan region due to reduced anthropogenic aerosol emissions, with climate model simulations suggesting increased precipitation throughout High Mountain Asia by the 2040s. This change is primarily driven by human-induced factors, rather than natural variability.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne found that severe bushfires followed by heavy rainfall are causing platypuses to abandon their homes. The research used environmental DNA sampling to track platypus movement before and after the 2019-2020 megafires, revealing a significant decline in platypus populations in affected areas.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are receiving US DOE funding to explore atmospheric processes that lead to extreme weather events. The project aims to better understand blocking patterns and their impact on climate change, ultimately informing local, state, and national leaders on how to prepare for these events.
The State of the Climate report confirms record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea levels, and ocean heat content. Scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the annual review, providing a comprehensive update on Earth's climate indicators and notable weather events.
A new Dartmouth study projects a 52% increase in extreme precipitation events in the Northeast by the end of the century. The region is expected to experience more frequent heavy rainfall events, with winter and spring contributing most to this projected increase.
This study uses the EDCFM method to downscale and bias-correct six CMIP6 GCMs for China's hydrological applications. The results indicate that SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios will bring increased volatility in precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff. Multi-year average annual values are projected to increase under these scenarios.
A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
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.
A study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that phytoplankton productivity in the Southern Ocean contributes to dense clouds that reflect sunlight. The high density of water droplets in these clouds helps regulate global temperatures and precipitation patterns.
A recent study found that kilometer-scale modeling better captures precipitation characteristics than quarter-degree resolution models. The researchers attribute this to the ability of kilometer-scale models to more accurately describe sub-grid topography and surface variations, leading to improved precipitation simulation accuracy.
A joint study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics and the Met Office reduces projection uncertainty in extreme precipitation by 20-40% in mid-to-high latitudes. The emergent relationship between present-day precipitation variability and climate model projections provides a new constraint for more reliable projections.
The new database offers improved estimations of Potential Evapotranspiration and Aridity Index for the entire world at a high spatial resolution. This allows for a finer description of water needs in different regions, enabling better resource management and land-use planning.