Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provides near-real-time rain estimates for Tropical Storm Sebastien, revealing moderate rainfall rates of up to 17.0 mm/hour east of the center. The storm is expected to become an extratropical cyclone in a couple of days and be absorbed by a cold front on Friday.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission found light rain falling at a rate of 0.4 inches per hour in Tropical Depression 21E. The depression, which never matured into a tropical storm, is expected to dissipate by Nov 21.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected light rain falling at a rate of 0.4 inches per hour from Tropical Depression Fengshen on November 18. The storm is expected to become a remnant low-pressure system later that day.
UK researchers found significant increases in spring, autumn, and winter precipitation in upland areas, with winter increases consistent with national climate models. The study suggests caution is required when making assumptions on climate impacts based on climate models.
Researchers warn that Africa's Lake Victoria could dry up in the next 500 years due to climate change, posing a significant threat to 40 million people. The lake's water levels are projected to decline rapidly if temperature changes and precipitation patterns shift
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission reveals heavy rainfall rates near the eastern coast of the Central Philippines, exceeding 40 mm/hour. The tropical cyclone, Kalmaegi, is forecast to weaken and turn west-southwest before approaching the Gulf of Aden.
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that changes in rainfall patterns over the past 40 years have been insignificant in most places, with only some local areas showing significant changes. This suggests that scale matters and that climate change may not be the primary driver of migration from Central America.
Researchers found that the Australian CEF weakens moisture transportation and decreases monsoon rainfall over South Asia by a quarter. The presence of islands in the Maritime Continent also intercepts westward propagation of quasi-biweekly oscillation, leading to decreased rainfall.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured heavy rainfall exceeding 1.6 inches per hour in Tropical Storm Fengshen. The storm is forecast to intensify through Friday and pass just north of Agrihan, with maximum sustained winds reaching 40 mph.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Oxford studied a dripstone from India's Mawmluh Cave to reconstruct the Indian monsoon's past climate. They found the monsoon was less reliable 125,000 years ago, suggesting global warming may lead to similar changes.
Concordia research reveals climate change will boost hydropower production in Quebec and Ontario, but reduce it in the west. The study analyzed historical data from local climate stations across Canada and established robust statistical relationships with hydropower production in 10 provinces.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission found a small area of heavy rain in Tropical Cyclone Kyarr, with rainfall rates reaching 1.6 inches per hour around the storm's center. The weakening storm is expected to dissipate before reaching Socotra Island.
A study published in Journal of Climate found significant associations between global warming and intensified extreme rainfall in global monsoon regions, affecting nearly two-thirds of the world's population. Regional characteristics, including aerosols, urbanization, and climate natural variability, also impact extreme rainfall.
Researchers found that warmer air and stronger storm winds contribute to wetter storms. The study analyzed over 4,000 simulated storms under current and future climate conditions, revealing a significant increase in rainfall rates due to global warming.
NASA provided forecasters with an analysis of rainfall rates in Tropical Cyclone Kyarr, measuring rainfall at over 40 mm per hour. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, producing heavy rain.
Tropical Storm Kyarr formed quickly near the southwestern coast of India, intensifying into a storm with heavy rainfall warnings and gale-force winds forecasted. NASA's Aqua satellite provided visible images revealing a large band of powerful thunderstorms circling the low-level center of circulation.
Tropical Depression 17 formed over the Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1006 millibars. The depression is expected to merge with a cold front, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rainfall to the northern Gulf coast.
A Dartmouth study found that a global cooling phenomenon, known as the US 'warming hole', has increased corn yields in the Corn Belt region by 5-10% per year. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allowed corn to mature slower, reducing heat stress and increasing grain accumulation.
Typhoon Bualoi continues to move through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, experiencing heavy rain around its eye, falling at a rate of over 50 mm/hour. Forecasters incorporate the rainfall data into their forecasts for updated hurricane weather information.
UCI researchers found that as trees and plants conserve water due to high CO2 levels, soil moisture builds up underground, leading to increased rain runoff. This 'forest effect' can significantly impact river dynamics, particularly in regions like the Mississippi River basin.
Tropical Storm Priscilla made landfall in western Mexico on October 20, causing widespread rainfall accumulations. The storm dissipated by nightfall, leaving behind remnants that moved northwards.
Tropical Depression 17E made landfall over Mexico's Oaxaca state, bringing heavy rainfall. A low-pressure system is also developing off the southern coast, posing a threat to the northern Gulf Coast.
Typhoon Hagibis brought damaging winds, rough surf, and heavy rainfall to Japan, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Rainfall totals reached as high as 994 mm in Hakone, with at least 31 deaths reported and over 186 people missing.
New research from Lancaster University and Heriot-Watt University reveals that Ethiopian parents' attempts to level the playing field for disadvantaged children by investing more in education are ultimately ineffective. The study found that even with greater investments, low-ability outcomes persist later in childhood.
NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Post-tropical Cyclone Lorenzo as it neared Ireland on Oct. 3, showing frontal features and cloud-filled center of circulation west of Ireland. Met Eireann has issued rainfall and wind warnings for Ireland due to the storm's heavy rains and high winds.
Lorenzo has transitioned to an extra-tropical cyclone, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall to Ireland and the United Kingdom. The GPM core satellite detected heavy rainfall north of the center, with rates reaching over 1 inch per hour.
A new study finds that increased rainfall extremes could drive tree growth reductions across the southwest US. Tree-ring records analyzed by researchers reveal that major species such as ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and piñon pine are particularly affected.
Tropical Storm Mitag was dropping heavy rainfall along South Korea's coastal areas, with light rain falling over the rest of the country. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found heaviest rain in scattered areas over eastern and southern coasts.
A low-pressure system formerly known as tropical cyclone Narda is generating scattered light rain in the eastern side of its remnant clouds. Forecasters expect additional rainfall of up to 2 inches across parts of Chihuahua and Sonora, with moisture spreading northeastward across US Southern Plains.
Tropical Storm Narda is expected to produce heavy rainfall along Mexico's west coast, with potential accumulations ranging from 1-6 inches. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the storm, revealing deep convection and cloud tops colder than minus 80 degrees Celsius.
Tropical Storm Karen has brought heavy rain to Puerto Rico, with the GPM core satellite detecting rainfall rates exceeding 1.6 inches per hour in the Atlantic Ocean and central Puerto Rico. Forecasters predict additional rainfall accumulations of 1-2 inches across the territory.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected scattered light rain from the remnants of Hurricane Kiko, which weakened to a remnant low-pressure area on September 24. The rainfall data is used by forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center to improve forecasts.
Tropical Storm Lorena made landfall in northwestern Mexico after approaching the country, bringing heavy rainfall to Arizona. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite provided key imagery of the storm's shape and organization, helping forecasters prepare for potential flooding and severe thunderstorms.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense rainfall rates in Tropical Storm Lorenzo, with the heaviest downpours occurring near the storm's center. The tropical cyclone is forecast to strengthen and become a hurricane by Wednesday, posing a threat to interests in the Cabo Verde Islands.
Tropical Storm Tapah transitioned into an extra-tropical storm as measured by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission, showing heavy rainfall on the northeastern side of the storm. The storm was characterized by strong winds of up to 63 mph and poleward displacement towards the north pole.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite used infrared light to analyze Hurricane Jerry's strength, finding cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall, posing a life-threatening threat to the Northern Leeward Islands.
NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimated heavy rainfall totals of 16-24 inches between Freeport and Beaumont, Texas, and 6 inches in southwestern Louisiana. The IMERG product provides near-real-time rain estimates every 30 minutes, combining satellite observations with other data sources.
A new study reveals that the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) significantly impacts daily rainfall patterns in Sumatra. The MJO brings cloudy, rain periods and sunny, drier periods, with greater potential for significant rain events when active near the Maritime Continent.
NASA measured rainfall rates in Hurricane Lorena and Tropical Storm Mario, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the eastern side of Lorena. Forecasters predict up to 8 inches of rain, potentially causing flash flooding.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission's core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Jerry, revealing heavy rainfall on the eastern and southern sides of the storm. The data is used by forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center to inform their forecasts and warnings.
GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Tapah, revealing rates as high as 1.6 inches per hour at the storm's center. Forecasters incorporate this data into their forecasts to predict the storm's trajectory and strength.
Tropical Storm Lorena's strong bands of thunderstorms swept over the western parts of Michoacan and Colima states, bringing heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash floods. The storm's center moved along the southwestern coast of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 70 mph.
Tropical Depression Imelda brought heavy rainfall to northeastern Texas, with NASA estimating over 10 inches of rain fell between Houston and Beaumont. The storm's rainfall totals are expected to produce significant flash floods, prompting flash flood watches for parts of eastern Texas and western Louisiana.
NASA's AIRS instrument captured temperatures in Tropical Depression Imelda, providing insight into the storm's rainfall potential over eastern Texas. Forecasters incorporated the data into their forecasts, predicting heavy rains and significant flash flooding along the Gulf Coast.
Tropical Storm Mario is intensifying with heavy rainfall rates of over 36 mm per hour. The storm is expected to become nearly stationary from early Friday through early Saturday, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 65 mph.
Hurricane Humberto is a very large storm stretching from Florida to North Carolina with a tail extending hundreds of miles into the western Atlantic Ocean. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and large swells to Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected heavy rainfall northwest of the cyclone's center, exceeding 40 mm/h. The system is expected to produce up to 2-4 inches of total rainfall accumulations in the Bahamas and 2-4 inches along the U.S. Southeast Coast.
A Rutgers-led study suggests climate change could alter how water interacts with soil globally, affecting groundwater supplies, food security, and ecosystems. Soil changes could also influence carbon storage and greenhouse gas levels.
Researchers found increased rainfall reduces soil's water absorption rate, leading to more water in streams and lakes. Soil properties also affect carbon storage, potentially impacting climate models.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found heavy rainfall north of the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle, with rates over 25 mm per hour. The storm is expected to weaken and dissipate over the far North Atlantic west of the British Isles on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Hurricane Dorian brought heavy rainfall totals of over 36 inches to the Bahamas and an area off northeastern Florida, with smaller amounts affecting the US East Coast. The storm also caused wind damage and power outages in eastern Canada.
Tropical Storm Gabrielle has become a post-tropical cyclone over the eastern Atlantic, with heavy rainfall and high winds expected. The storm is forecast to weaken into a remnant low tonight before slowly strengthening into a tropical cyclone by the weekend.
Hurricane Dorian generated heavy rainfall, with areas receiving over 36 inches of rain accumulation. NASA's satellite data showed the strongest storms were located in cloud tops as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The GPM core satellite found the heaviest precipitation at a rate greater than 1.6 inches per hour, primarily northwest and northeast of the typhoon's center in fragmented thunderstorms. NASA researches tropical cyclones to provide international partners with data for forecasting.
Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Dorian has left over three feet of rain in the Bahamas and is now affecting South Carolina, with accumulation totals exceeding 10 inches off-shore. NASA's IMERG product provides near-realtime rain estimates using satellite observations, helping to track the storm's movement and intensity.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured data on Hurricane Juliette's rainfall patterns, revealing a 'hook' shape of intense precipitation. The heaviest rainfall was found in the northwest thunderstorms, circling the storm's eye at rates over 36 mm/hour.
Fragmented strong storms remain in the remnants of Tropical Storm Fernand, capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storms were detected by NASA's Aqua satellite using infrared light, with cloud top temperatures as cold as -70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The GPM core satellite found a band of heavy rainfall north and east of Tropical Storm Gabrielle's center, falling at over 40 mm/h. The storm is expected to continue its northwestward motion through Saturday with increasing forward speed.
NASA used its Aqua satellite to analyze Tropical Storm Fernand's strength before it made landfall in northeastern Mexico. The storm had coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms with heavy rain potential.
Cities with high rainfall can achieve cooler temperatures through targeted planting, while extremely dry regions benefit from increased wind circulation and shade. The study provides a preliminary classification of cities for urban heat island mitigation, highlighting the importance of regional climate characteristics.