Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
Tropical Storm Nanmadol was analyzed by NASA using Suomi NPP and GPM Core satellites, revealing a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 knots. The data showed an eye-like structure at the center of circulation and heavy rainfall rates exceeding 184 mm per hour.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission tracked Dora's transformation from moderate rainfall to barely any, revealing a rapid dissipation process. The storm's convection was absent in most of its southeastern side, and its low-level center exposed to outside winds
Heavy rain showers were observed in southwestern Mexico as Tropical Storm Dora passed along the coast. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission analyzed rainfall rates, finding intense storms with cloud tops reaching altitudes higher than 9.9 miles.
Tropical Storm Cindy brought significant rainfall to the Gulf Coast region, with estimated totals ranging from 6.80 inches in Prattville, Alabama, to 12.30 inches in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The majority of heavy rainfall was located east of Cindy's center, affecting states along the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas.
NASA monitored Tropical Storm Cindy using its Aqua satellite's infrared light and GPM satellite's radar, revealing areas of heaviest rainfall and storm tops reaching over 7.2 miles high. The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening flash flooding due to heavy rainfall expected in parts of the US Gulf Coast states.
Tropical Storm Cindy is expected to bring heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding to the northern Gulf coast. Maximum sustained winds of 50 mph are forecasted, with storm surge, tropical storm force winds, and isolated tornadoes also possible.
A research team found that unusual tropical conditions, the stratospheric polar vortex, and climate warming contributed to record UK rainfall in winter 2013-14. The study shows a 10-15% contribution from climate change, with main causes being atmospheric dynamics linking the UK to the tropics and stratosphere.
A developing low-pressure area in the Gulf of Mexico is being monitored by NASA's GPM core satellite, which gathered rainfall and storm height information. The system has triggered Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches along the U.S. Gulf Coast, with a potential tropical cyclone expected to reach the coast late Wednesday or Wednesday night.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University developed a simple, low-cost tactic to conserve water by providing people with more information about lawn watering. The 'Rain-watered Lawn' pilot program involved 627 households and showed a 61% decrease in lawn watering during rainy summer weeks.
Heavy rainfall in southeastern Bangladesh caused at least 156 deaths through landslides and floods. NASA's IMERG data analyzed by Goddard Space Flight Center shows extreme rainfall totals exceeding 510 mm.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Tropical Depression Calvin before it made landfall in southwestern Mexico on June 12. The depression brought heavy rain and created flooding across several Mexican states, including Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
NASA tracked Tropical Storm Merbok's rainfall rates and 3D structure before it made landfall east of Hong Kong. The storm showed intense precipitation patterns, with rain falling at a rate of over 57 millimeters per hour in one of its rain bands.
Tropical Depression 3E is a disorganized storm system approaching southwestern Mexico, with periodic bursts of thunderstorm development near its center. The National Hurricane Center forecasts locally heavy rainfall and dangerous mudslides, with total rainfall accumulations expected to reach 5-10 inches in some areas.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense rainfall in southeastern Florida, with rates exceeding 7.5 inches per hour. The GPM core satellite captured detailed images of the storms' vertical structure, showing thunderstorm tops reaching altitudes of over 9 miles.
Tropical Depression Beatriz strengthened into a tropical storm for half a day before weakening, bringing heavy rainfall to southeastern Mexico. The depression's center of circulation is uncertain due to onshore flow, which may impact the state of Oaxaca.
Tropical Depression 2E is moving north-northeast towards the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where it may bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. The depression's central convection has decreased, but it still has the potential to generate heavy rainfall.
After making landfall in Bangladesh, NASA's satellite data showed Cyclone Mora still packing a punch with heavy rain and high cloud tops. The storm's internal structure was revealed using radar data, indicating intense rainfall bands over southeastern Bangladesh.
Heavy rainfall, over 434 mm, was measured over the Bay of Bengal to the northeast of Sri Lanka from May 23-26. The village of Bellana experienced a landslide killing 90 people and over 100 missing due to strong winds and rough seas.
Tornadoes spawned severe weather in Florida, Georgia, and the Southeastern US on May 24, 2017, with intense rain showers reaching rates of over 8.5 inches per hour. The GPM satellite's data revealed powerful storms dropping heavy rain over the Gulf of Mexico and reaching heights above 9 miles.
Scientists have developed a new model that predicts Sahel summer rainfall with high accuracy, enabling decision-makers to anticipate future cycles of droughts and floods. This improved understanding has the potential to help local communities become increasingly resilient to the region's variable climate.
Heavy rainfall was detected within a cluster of powerful storms east of Sri Lanka, with GPM's radar data showing storm tops reaching heights above 16 km. The analysis is important to understanding the economy of India and the amount and timing of monsoon rainfall.
Extreme rainfall in northeastern Australia exceeded 374 mm near Queensland coast, with storms associated with a low-pressure trough. The heavy rainfall was the heaviest since tropical cyclone Debbie hit Queensland in late March.
Researchers found that heavy rainfall on early Mars carved out river-like channels and altered impact craters, similar to Earth's effects. The study used physics principles to understand the relationship between Martian atmosphere pressure, raindrop size, and rainfall intensity.
A new study reveals that extreme rainfall events will increase in intensity globally, with varying degrees of impact depending on region. Regions such as North America and Europe can expect a 25% increase in intense rainfall by 4°C warming, while the Asian monsoon region may see even greater increases.
Researchers found that Tibetan Alpine grasslands are vulnerable to climate warming, with temperature changes destabilizing the ecosystem. The study suggests reduced forage production in drought years and increased biomass production in wet years, posing consequences for ecosystem services like climate regulation and water conservation.
Tropical Cyclone Ella is intensifying and NASA observed heavy rainfall in the storm. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected rain falling at a rate of over 231 mm per hour in an intense feeder band on Ella's eastern side.
Tropical Cyclone Donna produced extremely high rainfall totals, with IMERG estimates exceeding 62.4 millimeters (24.6 inches) in areas affected by the storm.
Tropical Cyclone Donna is a powerful hurricane intensifying in the South Pacific Ocean between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The storm generated very high amounts of rainfall, with some areas receiving over 7.4 inches of rain per hour.
Tropical Cyclone Donna was a Category 2 hurricane that blanketed the islands of Vanuatu with strong storms and heavy rain potential. The storm's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating heavy rainfall.
Tropical Cyclone Donna is generating heavy rainfall with precipitation rates reaching over 53 mm per hour. The storm's intense rain bands are expected to batter Vanuatu's northern islands with maximum sustained winds of up to 127 mph.
Tropical Cyclone Donna formed in the South Pacific and is now threatening Vanuatu. The storm intensified under favorable atmospheric conditions, including strong poleward outflow and warm water, before tracking westward at 5 knots per hour.
A study analyzing raindrop size distribution data over Tibet and southern China reveals significant microphysical differences in precipitation. The results indicate lower raindrop number concentrations for convective precipitation in Tibet, while larger raindrops show similar characteristics in both regions.
Tropical cyclone Frances strengthened in the western Timor Sea, with NASA satellites capturing visible and rainfall data. The storm's maximum sustained winds were estimated at 50 knots (57.5 mph), with strong convective storms near the center dropping rain at a rate of over 70 mm per hour.
A new study found that tropical forests will accelerate their growth in response to increased rainfall, which could lead to greater carbon sequestration. However, the authors caution that climate change still poses a threat to these ecosystems in the short term.
Tropical Storm Muifa is weakening due to vertical wind shear, as revealed by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The storm has a low level center of circulation with very little precipitation, and is expected to dissipate in a day or two.
Tropical Depression 03W formed on April 24, 2017, with intense convective storms dropping heavy precipitation rates. The GPM satellite revealed tall storm towers with rainfall exceeding 8.5 inches per hour.
New research from the University of Montana suggests that climate-change driven increases in rainfall in warm, wet forests will cause increased plant growth. This is a positive outcome for reducing global carbon dioxide levels, as it removes CO2 from the atmosphere through plant growth.
Researchers at MIT predict an increase in Nile River flow variability due to climate change, which will lead to more extreme years of drought and flood. The study finds that the El Niño/La Niña cycle will become stronger, resulting in a 50% rise in annual flow variation.
NASA identified a subtropical depression in the North Atlantic on April 19, which became the Atlantic's first tropical depression by April 20. Heaviest rainfall rates were found near the low-pressure center, with some storms dropping rain at over 36 mm/hour.
Tropical Storm Maarutha's intense rainbands were detected by the Global Precipitation Measurement mission, showing rainfall rates of over 134 mm per hour near its center. The satellite imagery provided valuable insights into the cyclone's powerful convective storms, which reached altitudes of over 10.9 miles.
Tropical Cyclone Maarutha formed quickly and strengthened into a tropical storm in the Northern Indian Ocean. The storm made landfall in Burma (Myanmar) on April 16, dropping high rainfall totals in south central Myanmar. Remnants of the cyclone were dissipating over land by April 17.
Two extra-tropical cyclones caused widespread flooding in New Zealand, with Cyclone Cook adding to the heavy rainfall. IMERG data shows that over 80 mm of rain fell in many areas, with some receiving heavy downpours, and thousands of residents were evacuated due to extreme weather.
Tropical Depression 02W is expected to make landfall along the east coast of eastern Visayas on April 15, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall. The depression has already tracked west-northwestward and is forecasted to continue in that direction before dissipating over central Philippines.
A University of Missouri meteorology expert predicts a relatively wet and mild summer for the Midwest, providing good growing conditions for crops. The forecast is attributed to projected El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean, which typically bring mild and wet summers to the region.
Heavy rainfall in Mocoa, Colombia triggered devastating flooding and mudslides that killed over 250 people. NASA's GPM mission provided crucial data on precipitation from its orbit, helping estimate the amount of rain that fell near the affected area.
NASA analyzed heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie using the Terra satellite, finding totals exceeded 500 mm (~ 20 inches) along parts of its track. Rainfall intensities dropped rapidly as the storm moved over land, with the most extreme falls recorded along the coast where it made landfall.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie over Queensland on March 29, 2017. The system's clouds stretched from Townsville to Brisbane along the coast, with heavy rainfall expected in central and southeastern regions.
Tropical cyclone Caleb formed on March 23 with heaviest precipitation near its western side, dropping rain at nearly 84 mm/h. The system will slow and weaken due to increasing wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures over the next 3 days.
Heavy rainfall in Peru led to extensive flooding, landslides, and loss of life. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided data on precipitation rates and totals, revealing storms dropping heavy rain at rates of over 137 mm per hour.
Researchers found that ocean-derived fog accounted for more than half of total fog events in the Namib Desert. Soil water and groundwater-derived fog were also unexpected sources of moisture.
GPM detected intense rainfall in the remnant low pressure area of ex-Tropical Cyclone 11S, with rain rates reaching over 8 inches in some areas. The satellite's radar data showed storm tops reaching heights above 13 km, indicating a strong and dynamic system.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that human-caused climate change can trigger a vicious circle of drought and forest loss in the Amazon. The risk is heightened if there are fewer tree species in a forest patch, but diversity can help forests survive dry seasons.
Cyclone Enawo brought record-breaking rainfall to Madagascar, with the eastern side experiencing strong onshore flow due to its clockwise rotation. NASA's IMERG data analysis reveals the storm's extensive moisture flow from the Indian Ocean, posing a risk of flooding and landslides.
A decrease in summer rainfall over the Asian inland plateau region led to a significant increase in drought conditions. The interdecadal change was caused by a quasi-zonal wave-like pattern and warming North Atlantic SST anomalies.
A University of Connecticut climate scientist confirms that global warming will lead to more intense and frequent severe rainstorms. Data shows the intensity of these storms increases with rising temperatures, contradicting some observations suggesting a fixed upper temperature limit.
In a study published in Behavioral Ecology, researchers found that spiders form large colonies in response to environmental conditions, such as heavy rainfall and predation. This discovery contradicts the idea that family bonds drive social behavior, instead suggesting that difficult environments lead to cooperative living.
Researchers found that light rain can disperse up to several thousand bacteria from the soil into the air, where they can travel long distances before settling back on the ground. Global precipitation may be responsible for releasing 1.6 to 25 percent of total bacteria emissions from land.
Tropical Cyclone Enawo is intensifying and expected to reach 115 mph winds before hitting Madagascar's northeastern coast on March 7, 2017. Heavy rainfall with intense downpours of over 220 mm per hour has been measured in the storm's feeder bands.
Record-breaking warm temperatures triggered early blooms in eastern US, leading to severe thunderstorms and deadly tornadoes. The GPM satellite provided critical insights into the intense downpours and storm top heights of over 32,800 feet.
A large carved jade pendant, once belonging to an ancient Maya king, was discovered in southern Belize. The pendant, inscribed with a historical text, is now believed to have been buried during a time of crisis due to climate change and the collapse of the Maya civilization.