Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
NASA satellite data revealed towering thunderstorms in Hurricane Hilda dropping heavy rainfall, with storms north of the eye releasing over 5.9 inches of rain per hour. The storm's cloud tops reached altitudes of over 10 miles, indicating powerful weather conditions.
Typhoon Soudelor produced over two feet of rainfall when it made landfall in China and Taiwan, with the rugged terrain amplifying totals to 1320 mm (52 inches) in Taiwan. NASA estimated the rainfall using data from its Global Precipitation Measurement mission.
Hurricane Hilda's strongest winds were detected by NASA's RapidScat instrument on the storm's northern side, reaching speeds of 73 mph. The center of the hurricane is expected to bring heavy rain, life-threatening flash floods, and large ocean swells to Hawaiian Islands over the next few days.
Typhoon Soudelor's heavy rainfall and powerful feeder bands were detected by NASA's GPM satellite, showing a strong impact on the storm's structure. The typhoon reached maximum sustained winds near 90 knots and is expected to intensify again before making landfall in Taiwan.
Typhoon Soudelor was characterized by intense rainfall and towering thunderstorms. NASA satellites detected sustained winds of up to 121 mph near the storm's center.
Tropical Storm Guillermo is creeping closer to the Hawaiian Islands, prompting a tropical storm watch for counties including Maui and Hawaii. The storm's maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, with expected slow and steady weakening.
Super Typhoon Soudelor showed extreme rainfall rates with over 58 mm/hour on its southern side, as measured by NASA's GPM core satellite. The storm is predicted to intensify before making landfall in eastern China.
Researchers from Michigan Tech study geohazards on San Vicente Volcano in El Salvador, combining traditional hazard assessments with social science techniques. Their work helps develop a more in-depth understanding of the risks present at the volcano.
A NASA study reveals California's precipitation deficit between 2012 and 2015 was approximately 20 inches, largely due to a lack of atmospheric rivers. The state's water demand has increased exponentially, depleting reservoirs and groundwater reserves, exacerbating the drought.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite measured rainfall rates of up to 50 mm/h near the center of Tropical Depression 08E. The depression was forming over the Eastern Pacific Ocean when GPM flew overhead on July 27, 2015.
USF researchers found that storm surge, high rainfall, and rising sea levels contribute to devastating 'compound flooding' in coastal cities. Their analysis identified key mechanisms, including elevated water levels and moderate storm surges, which exacerbate flooding impacts.
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission observed Typhoon Halola with rainfall rates of up to 40 mm/h near the southeastern side, while the northern side showed less than 10 mm/h. The storm's elongated shape and dry air's effect contributed to its weakening circulation.
The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite tracked Typhoon Halola's strengthening and intensification, revealing heavy rain rates of over 84 mm/h. The storm's tall thunderstorm towers reached heights of over 10.5 miles, releasing energy that can lead to intensification.
Satellite data indicates Hurricane Dolores is strengthening, with colder cloud tops and increased sustained winds of near 80 mph. The storm's trajectory suggests it will continue to pull away from the coast, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and rough surf to southwestern Mexico.
Tropical Storm Halola has tracked west-northwestward at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph) and is forecast to intensify as a typhoon on July 15.
Tropical Storm Dolores has lingered off Mexico's southwestern coast, bringing a tropical storm watch for several regions. Maximum sustained winds near 65 mph are expected to produce 2-4 inches of total rain accumulation along the coast.
Typhoon Chan-Hom was monitored by NASA using RapidScat, which detected the storm's strongest winds stretching from northwest to southeast at over 30 meters per second. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 100 knots and is expected to weaken as it approaches the Chinese mainland.
Supertyphoon Nangka was observed by NASA's Aqua satellite on July 9, providing visible and infrared images of the storm. The storm had powerful thunderstorms with a 9.2 km-wide eye and temperatures as low as -63°C, capable of generating heavy rain.
A new study by University of Utah researchers shows that two-thirds of the remaining water after rainfall is released by plants, while more than a quarter lands on leaves and evaporates. The study also found that only 38% of water entering groundwater interacts with soil before reaching streams and groundwater.
Scientists found a clear upward trend in unprecedented daily rainfall events globally, consistent with rising global temperatures. The average increase is 12% globally, but 56% in South East Asia.
Tropical Storm Linfa is approaching the southeastern China coast with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots. The storm is expected to make landfall in Guangdong Province on July 9, bringing heavy rain and rough seas to the region.
A new study found that over 750 popular music songs reference weather, with a range of emotions conveyed through multiple weather types in some songs. Popular artists like Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney have written or sung about weather-related topics.
New research from Cornell University suggests that farmers should wait 24 hours after a rain or irrigation to harvest crops, as this reduces the risk of exposure to the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. By doing so, farmers can minimize the presence of Listeria on fresh produce and ensure consumer safety.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found intense rainfall near the center of the tropical cyclone, with rates reaching over 78 mm per hour. The storm's center is expected to move close to Guam on July 4, bringing periods of heavy rainfall across the Marianas.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder discovered that halogen reactions from ocean air can turn mercury into a water-soluble form that stays high in the atmosphere for long periods. This process may help explain why mercury deposition is so widespread and persistent in some regions.
A study using NASA satellite data found that collecting rainwater for vegetable irrigation in India can reduce water bills by up to 4,522 rupees per year. This can provide a profit of between 1,548 and 3,261 rupees per year, boosting cost savings and increasing quality of life.
The remnants of Tropical Depression Bill brought heavy rainfall to a large part of the US, from Texas to Washington D.C. before moving into the Atlantic Ocean. Rainfall totals varied by city, with some areas receiving over 4 inches of rain.
Tropical Depression Bill moved north-northeast through the southern U.S., affecting eastern Texas and Oklahoma. NASA satellites provided infrared, visible, and rainfall estimates for the storm's progression, while NWS forecasts heavy rain accumulations of 4-12 inches across several states.
Tropical Storm Bill is expected to bring heavy rain accumulations of 4-8 inches over eastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma, with life-threatening flash floods possible. The storm will weaken over the next two days, becoming a post-tropical low pressure area by Thursday.
Tropical Storm Carlos remains a small, tightly wound storm with thunderstorms wrapped around its center, producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in Mexico. The storm is expected to rapidly weaken and dissipate over the coast of western Mexico.
Hurricane Carlos has caused coastal complications for western Mexico residents as it weakened and re-strengthened to hurricane force. The storm's compact structure and strong thunderstorms tightly circling the center have extended hurricane-force winds up to 10 miles from the center.
Tropical Cyclone Ashobaa is expected to make landfall in eastern Oman, bringing tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 40 knots (46 mph) on June 11.
Remnant moisture from hurricane Blanca will generate scattered thunderstorms over New Mexico, with enhanced chances for rain in the northwest plateau and northern mountains. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in Albuquerque, with a high near 88.
Tropical cyclone Ashobaa formed in the Arabian Sea, with NASA's GPM core satellite providing 3-D rainfall data. The storm is intensifying, with powerful thunderstorms near its center, and is expected to make landfall on June 12.
The start of India's monsoon season was marked by increased rainfall in southern India, with data from NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission indicating above-average precipitation. Heavy showers dropped over 120 millimeters of rain in the week preceding June 8, 2015.
Researchers found that warming temperatures are disrupting rainfall patterns, leading to more extreme and destructive storms. The study suggests that this could result in increased flash flood risks, particularly in urban areas.
A new study in Geophysical Research Letters warns of increased coastal erosion and flooding risks in the Gulf of Mexico due to rising waves. Meanwhile, annual floods in the Grand Canyon are rebuilding sandbars, while scientists analyze historic rainfall data from Padua, Italy, revealing long-term oscillations and extreme weather patterns.
NASA has released a collection of scientific animations exploring hurricanes using satellite data. The animations cover various storms, including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy, providing valuable insights into the storms' characteristics.
NASA's Aqua and Global Precipitation Measurement mission core satellite tracked Tropical Storm Andres' intensification, revealing powerful convective storms near the center. The storm's rainfall rates reached over 60 mm per hour, and thunderstorms stretched up to 15 km high.
A new study has identified a critical piece of evidence for how the Earth responds to changes in climate, finding that cold water influx from icebergs altered rainfall patterns and led to rapid increases in atmospheric methane. The findings suggest that Heinrich events, which caused huge icebergs to enter the North Atlantic, had a sign...
Record-breaking floods hit central Texas and Oklahoma, with the Blanco River reaching a new crest of over 40 feet in Hays County. The floods are attributed to persistent widespread storms across the Southern Plains, fueled by El Nino.
Researchers discovered a link between iceberg discharges and increased tropical methane production, suggesting that cold water from the North Atlantic could have crippled the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, leading to changes in precipitation patterns.
A new study shows that Colorado's extreme precipitation events can happen in any season and at all elevations across the state. The research found that high-elevation intense precipitation events have occurred in all months of the year, including summer, when that precipitation is more likely to be rain and therefore more of a flood risk.
Researchers will use lab-equipped aircraft, ground-based instruments, and weather balloons to understand nighttime storm formation and evolution. The goal is to improve forecasts of damaging storms and provide insights into atmospheric conditions that lead to storm clustering and organization.
Typhoon Dolphin intensified over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean before weakening into an extra-tropical storm, according to NASA's triple examination. The RapidScat instrument detected a significant increase in winds, while the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core observatory estimated heavy rainfall near Guam and Rota.
Typhoon Dolphin passed close to Guam, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain. The storm's strong curvature reveals a well-formed cyclonic circulation, indicating it may intensify in the coming days.
Typhoon Dolphin is a highly developed and organized storm with strong winds of up to 95 knots (109-132 mph) and wave heights of 32 feet. The typhoon is forecasted to bring damaging winds, torrential rains, and high surf to Guam and surrounding islands.
Typhoon Dolphin has intensified over the past five days and is now heading westward towards Guam. The satellite data from GPM, AIRS, and RapidScat reveal the storm's organized spiral pattern and exceptionally cold upper atmospheric temperatures.
Ex-Super Typhoon Noul brought strong winds and heavy rain to the Philippines, causing damage despite reduced strength. The storm is now expected to affect Japan with strong winds and rain, prompting warnings from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
ANA formed as subtropical storm on May 9, 2015, then intensified into a tropical storm. By May 10, it dropped heavy rainfall as it made landfall in South Carolina.
Ana made landfall north of Myrtle Beach, SC with sustained winds of 45 mph, transitioning to a tropical depression as it moves northward. Heavy rain and storm surges are expected in the storm's wake, posing dangers for beachgoers.
NASA predicts more severe weather for the Midwest, including tornadoes, flash flooding, and strong winds. The storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and hail, with cold air masses indicating strong convective storms.
Ana, a subtropical storm, tightens up and becomes more organized overnight, transitioning to a full tropical storm. The storm's winds increase to 50 knots with gusts reaching up to 60 knots (57-69 mph), posing significant damage risks for the Carolinas.
GPM and Suomi-NPP satellites observed subtropical storm Ana's development, with rainfall intensifying near the center as it moved towards the Southeast coastline. The storms transformation is under observation as ANA moves northwest, according to NHC.
The Philippines has raised a #2 warning for Luzon province due to tropical cyclone Noul's approaching landfall. Winds of up to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.
A tropical disturbance in the North Atlantic is gaining definition with increasing thunderstorm activity, posing a threat to southeastern US coastlines. Heavy rains are forecasted over the region within the next several days.
Typhoon Noul is slowly strengthening as it moves west-northwest towards the Philippines. The system has well-formed rain bands and heavy rain near its core, indicating potential intensification.
Heavy rainfall from cyclone Quang affected western Australia, while a non-tropical system pounded the east coast, resulting in over 454 mm of rain in the Indian Ocean. In the Coral Sea, southeast Australia received above 356 mm of rainfall, causing widespread flooding and at least four reported deaths.
Severe thunderstorms swept through central Texas on April 26, 2015, generating heavy rainfall and large hail. The GPM Core Observatory satellite captured a 3D view of the storms, revealing some reaching altitudes above 7.7 miles.
The GPM satellite captured the effects of wind shear on Tropical Cyclone Joalane as it weakened in the Southern Indian Ocean. Cloud tops were tilted southward, indicating strong vertical shear affecting the storm.