Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
A recent study suggests that emissions from human activity have caused a decline in monsoon rainfall over the past 50 years. The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that rising levels of anthropogenic aerosols are responsible for the decrease, which affects billions of people primarily in India and parts of Africa.
Tropical Storm Phanfone shows fragmented bands of thunderstorms, with light to moderate rainfall and isolated heavy rain areas. NASA's TRMM satellite provides details on the storm's movement, intensity, and projected path.
The King Fire in California has burned over 96,000 acres since its start on September 13, 2014. A recent rain system brought minimal fire activity, but a new low-pressure system may impact the fire's spread.
The TRMM satellite identified a strong band of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall northwest of Tropical Storm Kammuri's center, while NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the entire storm. Cloud top temperatures exceeded -63F/-53C, indicating potential for heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Odile brought extreme rainfall to Mexico's Baja California peninsula and southwestern United States, with estimated totals reaching almost three feet. The TRMM satellite analyzed real-time data to track the storm's impact, revealing highest rainfall totals of over 160 mm in northwestern Texas.
The King Fire is an arson-caused fire that began on Sept. 13, 2014, fueled by hot, dry conditions, large amounts of fuel, and winds. It has grown to 82,018 acres in size and is currently 17% contained, prompting evacuations of over 2,800 people
Tropical Storm Fung-Wong continues to affect the Philippines, with NASA's Aqua satellite detecting high thunderstorms and potential heavy rainfall in northern and central regions. The storm is expected to impact Taiwan, China, and Japan over the next several days.
The TRMM satellite detected heavy rainfall rates over 111 mm/h near El Paso, Texas, with thunderstorm tops reaching up to 13 km. The GOES-West infrared image showed a large area of clouds associated with the remnants over New Mexico and Texas, posing a flash flood threat for parts of the region.
Hurricane Edouard's minimum central pressure was nearly as low as when it was a category 3 hurricane. The storm is expected to weaken and become post-tropical before winding up west of the Azores in a few days.
Tropical Storm Odile is generating strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over northern Mexico and the southwestern US. Rainfall rates from TRMM satellite measurements reached almost 130 mm per hour northeast of the storm's center.
Hurricane Odile made landfall near Cabo San Lucas with winds of up to 110 knots, dropping rain at a rate of over 188.4 mm per hour. The storm's weakening system will continue to bring torrential rainfall and flash floods to the Baja California Peninsula.
A new study reveals climate change's complex effects on land and water, contradicting the 'DDWW' principle. While some regions become drier or wetter, others experience no trends, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of climate change.
The TRMM satellite detected powerful thunderstorms near Odile's center, dropping rain at a rate of over 196 mm/h. The combined data from TRMM and Aqua satellites showed the coldest cloud tops in storms circling Odile's center, with temperatures as low as -63F/-53C.
Post-tropical storm Norbert generated drenching thunderstorms over Arizona, with TRMM satellite data showing rainfall rates of over 2 inches per hour. The moisture from Norbert caused flooding over inland areas of southern California and led to a state of emergency in Arizona.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a programmable headlight system that prevents glare from hitting oncoming drivers, improving visibility in snowy or rainy conditions. The system can adjust the light beam to highlight traffic lanes and even project directional signals.
The TRMM satellite calculated heavy rainfall generated by Hurricane Norbert and Tropical Storm Dolly. Rainfall totals were greater than 300 mm, affecting the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and near Mexico's western and Gulf coasts.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured remnants of Tropical Depression Dolly over northeastern Mexico on Sept. 3, showing a band of thunderstorms spiraling over the Texas/Mexico border. The TRMM satellite detected moderate to heavy rainfall in southern Texas due to low-to-mid-level moisture from Dolly's remnants.
Tropical Storm Norbert is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Mexico's west coast, with tropical storm conditions forecast for La Paz to Santa Fe by Thursday night. The storm is currently located near the southern tip of Baja California and is moving northwestward at 8 mph.
NASA's HS3 hurricane mission and Terra satellite captured detailed data on Tropical Storm Dolly before it made landfall in eastern Mexico. The data revealed Dolly's strongest thunderstorms were around its center of circulation, indicating a more organized storm than Norbert.
Tropical Storm Dolly, a storm named after the famous country singer, is making its second landfall in Mexico due to the revolving list of hurricane names. NASA's satellite data shows the storm is expected to cause heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Hurricane Cristobal is racing through the North Atlantic, losing its tropical characteristics. The storm is expected to remain a powerful extra-tropical cyclone over the region until Sunday.
The TRMM satellite estimated rainfall totals from August 18-25, 2014, revealing heavy flooding over the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The Turks and Caicos Islands received over 350mm of rainfall, with some areas experiencing totals exceeding 275mm.
TRMM analyzed Cristobal's movement northward along the US East Coast before it began to recurve away from the coast due to an approaching shortwave trough. The storm's sustained winds were reported at 70 knots (80.5 mph) with a partial eyewall observed in infrared imagery.
Heavy rainfall and intense convective storms were detected by NASA's TRMM satellite in Hurricane Cristobal, with some storms reaching heights of over 9.3 miles and generating heavy rain. The storm is expected to become a powerful extra-tropical cyclone over the North Atlantic by Friday.
Hurricane Marie has extended hundreds of miles from its eye, causing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds on nearby Socorro Island. The storm is also generating dangerous surf along the western coast of mainland Mexico.
Hurricane Cristobal caused deaths in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica due to strong winds and flooding. The satellites provided critical data on rainfall rates and wind speeds, tracking the storm's intensification and forecasted path.
A comprehensive review examines potential influences on recent UK winter floods, including the role of global oceans and wind patterns. The study suggests that natural fluctuations may be responsible for extreme weather events, but also notes the importance of understanding the impact of climate change.
Tropical Storm Cristobal formed near the southeastern Bahamas on August 24, with NASA's Aqua satellite and NOAA's GOES-East satellites providing imagery of its birth and movement. The storm was expected to produce heavy rainfall over the Turks and Caicos Islands and parts of the southeastern and central Bahamas.
Tropical Storm Karina intensified on August 22 with moderate rainfall and towering thunderstorms, dropping rain at a rate of near 25 mm/1 inch per hour. The storm is moving to the northeast near 3 mph (6 kph) and is expected to weaken in two days as it enters cooler waters and stable dry air.
Hurricane Lowell strengthened into a Category One hurricane with sustained winds of 75 mph after being observed by NASA satellites. The storms' cloud top temperatures exceeded -63F, indicating high thunderstorms with potential heavy rainfall.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected an isolated area of heavy rain remaining in Tropical Storm Karina, indicating a weakening uplift in the storm. The storm is forecast to turn westward and slow down soon, with two computer models predicting it will weaken to a tropical depression in about 72 hours.
NASA satellite data shows Tropical Storm Karina's consistent strength and thunderstorm development since weakening from hurricane status. The storm's cloud pattern has remained relatively unchanged, with strong thunderstorms circling the center, especially on the northern edge.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that ocean warming causes atmospheric circulation changes, leading to increased heavy rain bands and extreme precipitation events at mid- and high-latitudes. This shift could result in more common, but intense storms in previously rare regions.
Researchers link tree height to climate conditions, finding hydraulic limitation constrains maximum tree height under drier conditions, while resource allocation constrains it in moist areas. The study, led by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Thomas Givnish, examined Eucalyptus species in Victoria state, Australia.
Scientists have discovered that the exact chemical make-up of dusty air, including microbes found in it, is crucial to predicting rain events and understanding regional climate. The research could lead to more accurate weather forecasting and improved cloud-seeding technology.
The Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment demonstrated two new radar instruments, improving rainfall measurement. The High-altitude Wind and Rain Profiler and ER-2 X-Band Radar provided a unique capability by capturing how cloud droplets and raindrops move relative to each other.
Tropical Storm Iselle weakened significantly before striking the southeast coast of Hawaii's Big Island, causing widespread damage and power outages. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the island, with sustained winds of 60 mph at landfall.
Researchers at Disney Research Pittsburgh established a library of 40 feel effects matched to descriptions that designers can understand. The study aimed to provide a common vocabulary for designing haptic feedback experiences.
Hurricane Iselle is expected to bring heavy rains, high surf, and damaging winds to Hawaii. Rainfall totals of 5-12 inches are predicted along its track, with storm surge up to 3 feet expected on the Big Island.
Typhoon Halong has reopened its eye after going through eyewall replacement, a sign of weakening winds. The storm is still powerful, with maximum sustained winds of 85 knots and rough seas.
Typhoon Halong appears lopsided due to inhibited thunderstorm development in the northern quadrant. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate potential for heavy rainfall.
TRMM satellite data revealed extreme rainfall rates of almost 182 mm per hour in Hurricane Iselle's eye wall, making it a category four hurricane at the time. The storm is expected to weaken as it heads westward into the Central Pacific Ocean and may make landfall over the Big Island as a tropical storm.
Tropical Storm Bertha is experiencing heavy rainfall northeast of the center due to strong vertical wind shear. The storm's interaction with upper-level troughs will continue to limit its development and strengthening.
New research by Steve Israel and colleagues reveals that the Northern Cordillera is a 'collage' of terranes with shared histories, blurring the definition of tectonic terranes. This challenges long-held assumptions about the geologic history of North America.
Tropical Storm Halong moved northwest of Guam, with heavy rain falling over the island and thunderstorms reaching heights of over 10.4 miles near its center.
Tropical Storm Genevieve weakened to a tropical depression on July 27, but reorganized and became a tropical depression again on July 30. Rainfall rates reached over 28.5 mm/hr near the storm's center.
Scientists have developed a new method to monitor rainfall in West Africa using weakened cell phone signals, which could help cities prepare for floods and combat weather-related diseases. Meanwhile, researchers discovered that residual currents persist between lightning strokes, challenging current cutoff models.
Typhoon Matmo brought heavy rainfall to eastern Taiwan, with TMPA analysis showing totals greater than 400 mm. The storm also contributed to a deadly airplane crash in the Penghu Islands.
The Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD) will fly aboard a NASA Global Hawk aircraft during the HS3 mission, providing unique observations of sea surface wind speed, temperature, and rain. HIRAD's data will advance understanding and predictability of hurricane intensity, helping to determine maximum wind speed and structure of the vortex.
The TRMM satellite measured Super Typhoon Rammasun's rainfall rates of up to 100 mm/h along the China/Vietnam border. The storm's heavy rain bands wrapped around its cyclonic circulation, indicating a powerful storm that made landfall on the southern coast of China.
A significant increase in forest and land fires was detected in Riau province, with 154 hotspots reported on July 20, 2014. The smoke from these fires poses a risk to air quality, potentially spreading to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
A moisture stream from the remnants of Tropical Storm Wali caused early morning flash flood watches on July 19 and 21 for all Hawaiian Islands. Heavy rainfall generated by thunderstorms in the eastern half of the island resulted in a flood advisory, posing a threat to residents and visitors.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captures infrared image of Typhoon Rammasun before landfall, showing powerful thunderstorms with heavy rain potential. The storm brings maximum sustained winds of near 100 knots (115.1 mph) to the south China/Vietnam border.
Researchers from North Carolina State University assessed the effectiveness of three filter bed substrates (sand, soil, and slate) in reducing pollutants and supporting plant growth in rain gardens. The study found that all three substrates functioned in reducing pollutant quantity, but with varying levels of success.
Typhoon Rammasun brought heavy rainfall to the Philippines and central China, causing flooding. The storm made landfall on Hainan Island, China, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph.
Typhoon Rammasun brought heavy rainfall over the Philippines, with total rainfall estimates exceeding 325 mm, according to NASA's TRMM satellite analysis. The storm made its way towards Hainan Island, China, with forecasters predicting landfall on July 18.
A study found that people search for climate information during extreme weather events, with Republicans seeking info during hot spells and Democrats during temperature changes. This suggests a connection between individual experiences of weather and their perceived threat of climate change.
Typhoon Rammasun passed through central Philippines, bringing soaking rains and powerful thunderstorms to the region. The storm made landfall near Legazpi City on July 15 with maximum sustained winds of 80 knots.
Typhoon Rammasun made landfall in the eastern part of central Philippines on July 15, with NASA's Aqua and TRMM satellites tracking its eye close to landfall. The storm brought moderate to heavy rainfall across the region, with cloud top temperatures indicating potential for severe weather.
Tropical Storm Neoguri caused significant flooding in southern Japan, resulting in up to five deaths and 50 injuries. NASA's TRMM satellite data revealed heavy rainfall totals of over 520 mm near the Japanese island of Kyushu.