Substantial global cost of climate inaction
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.
Rain
Articles tagged with Rain
Weather and climate extremes in 2023 impacting the globe with emerging features
The year 2023 saw unprecedented extreme weather events globally, with a record-breaking temperature increase of 1.45°C above pre-industrial times. Emerging features include earlier onset of heatwaves and increased simultaneous events in different parts of the world.
How soil microbes survive in harsh desert environments
Desert soil bacteria can survive prolonged droughts by entering a state of dormancy, but quickly reactivate in response to rare rainfall events. This allows them to generate energy and repair their genomes before returning to dormancy.
Yellowstone Lake ice cover unchanged despite warming climate
Despite rising temperatures in the region, Yellowstone Lake's ice cover has not changed over the past century, according to new research. Increased snowfall has acted as a buffer against warmer weather, delaying ice break-up and protecting the lake's unique ice phenology.
UK's summer 2022 drought provides warning for future years
The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
Droughts in Europe could be avoided with faster emissions cuts
A new study suggests that rapid climate action could reduce summer rainfall in southern Europe by up to 48% by 2100. If net-zero emissions are reached soon, much of this decline can be avoided, preventing devastating dry periods and forest fires.
AMS Science Preview: “Outdoor days,” lightning, air pollution
A new study finds that extreme tropical cyclone rainfall is increasing across the continental US, while climate warming restricts 'outdoor days' for people living in developing countries. Additionally, air pollution increases mortality risks from heat, especially when combined with other factors like wildfires and reduced aerosols.
Study: Sinking land increases risk for thousands of coastal residents by 2050
A new study projects that as many as 500,000 people could be affected and 1 in 35 properties damaged by flooding in 32 US coastal cities by 2050. The research highlights racial and socioeconomic demographics of those potentially affected.
Rapidly-intensifying tropical cyclones likely to increase flood hazard in the North Atlantic as climate warms
A recent study found that rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones (RI) are already more hazardous than normal TCs and will worsen coastal flooding under future climate warming. RI events may increase by 10-30% for each degree of global mean temperature increase, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
Cloud clustering causes more extreme rain
A new study using a high-resolution global climate model found that cloud clustering causes more extreme rain in the tropics, leading to increased severity of precipitation events. The researchers also discovered that more extreme rain occurs at the cost of expansion of dry areas, further shifting towards extreme weather patterns.
Air pollution hides increases in rainfall
A new study finds that aerosol emissions like sulfur dioxide have offset the increase in rainfall caused by greenhouse gases. As air pollution diminishes, average and extreme rains may increase.
No clear link between weather and common muscle and joint symptoms
Researchers found no clear link between weather conditions and muscle and joint pain, debunking a long-standing medical myth. High temperatures, low humidity, and dehydration may increase the risk of gout flares.
Amazon rainforest at the threshold: loss of forest worsens climate change
A new study reveals that the Amazon rainforest is at risk of a large-scale collapse if climatic and land-use thresholds are breached. The Southeastern Amazon has already shifted from a carbon sink to a source, while droughts, deforestation, and fires weaken its resilience mechanisms.
Climate indices and precipitation anomalies - implications for the Middle East
A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...
Temperatures are rising, but soil is getting wetter — why?
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.
Study reveals compounding risks of atmospheric river storms
A study reveals that consecutive atmospheric river events lead to significantly higher economic losses in California, tripling expected damages compared to standalone events. This is crucial for emergency and water managers balancing flood risks with water shortage needs.
Permeable pavements could reduce coho-killing tire pollutants
Researchers found that permeable pavements can capture tire-associated chemicals, resulting in a 68% average reduction of the toxic contaminant 6PPD-quinone. The technology has vast potential to protect salmon populations and human health.
New tool predicts flood risk from hurricanes in a warming climate
A new compound flooding model predicts that New York City will experience historic and devastating floods every 30 years by the end of this century, a fivefold increase from the present climate. The tool helps city planners prepare and protect against future disasters by providing detailed flood forecasts.
Global warming intensifies typhoon-induced extreme precipitation over East Asia
Research using a high-resolution climate model found that global warming amplifies the strength of typhoons in East Asia, leading to increased intense rainfall and powerful storms. The study suggests that continued escalation of global warming will result in stronger typhoons and more extensive occurrences of extreme precipitation events.
A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon
A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon has been published, derived from a study combining airborne laser scanning, satellite imagery, and forest inventories. The results show an average of 174 metric tons of biomass per hectare and a maximum of 518 tons per hectare.
Study overturns conventional wisdom about wild turkey nesting survival
A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.
Study: Extreme rainfall increases ag nutrient runoff, conservation strategies can help
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that extreme rainfall leads to significant spikes in nutrient concentrations, particularly after ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches of precipitation. However, agricultural management practices such as cover crops can lower nutrient levels in water and persist until the end of the growing season.
How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation
A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.
Giant sea salt aerosols play major role in Hawai‘i’s coastal clouds, rain
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.
Accurate forecasting of the required precipitation for a recent drought recovery
A research team developed a multi-model projection system using the self-calibrating Effective Drought Index to predict drought and recommend cumulative precipitation for recovery. The required rainfall for drought recovery was estimated at 170 mm, 310 mm, and 440 mm for March, April, and May respectively.
Green spaces can save lives, according to urban big data
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.
Study links changes in global water cycle to higher temperatures
Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.
Warm summers and wet winters yield better wine vintages
Researchers analyzed 50 years of Bordeaux wine critic scores with weather data to show that warmer temperatures, higher rainfall, and earlier seasons yield better vintages. Climate change is predicted to increase these conditions, potentially improving wine quality, but water scarcity poses a risk.
Cleaner air brings a wetter high mountain Asia
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.
Rivers may not recover from drought for years
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.
Syracuse paleoclimatologists use ancient sediment to explore future climate in Africa
A team of researchers analyzed ancient leaf waxes to study past rainfall and drought patterns. By comparing their data with climate models, they verified how well those models capture past climate change and improved the accuracy of future rainfall predictions.
Climate change brings earlier arrival of intense hurricanes
Research reveals that Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are arriving three to four days earlier with each passing decade due to climate change. This shift in seasonal cycle can lead to compounding extreme events and challenges community preparedness.
Extreme fires and heavy rainfall driving platypuses from their homes
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.
Study: Scientists investigate grand canyon's ancient past to predict future climate impacts
A UNLV study found that a warm period in the early Holocene, when temperatures rose, led to increased summer rainfall and groundwater recharge. The researchers used an ancient stalagmite to analyze precipitation patterns and estimate the potential impact of future climate change on monsoon rains.
PSU study examines how weather patterns will change in the future
A PSU study examines how atmospheric patterns influencing the weather won't necessarily become stronger or more frequent by the end of the century. Instead, warmer temperatures will lead to an increase in rainfall over the Pacific Northwest in most seasons except summer.
New research brings greater understanding of Asian winter monsoon
Scientists have discovered a new technique to analyze stalagmites for insights into seasonal rainfall patterns in Southeast Asia over thousands of years. The study reveals potential to refine climate models' predictions on winter monsoon rainfall, which can inform policies to mitigate intense rainfall impacts.
As Earth heats up, rain pours down
A new study finds that global warming will lead to an increase in compound climate extremes such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves, which will have devastating impacts on communities. The regions most affected are already prone to geologic hazards and produce many of the world's crops.
Human emmisions drive changes in north Atlantic ocean temperatures, west African rainfall, hurricanes
Researchers found that human-induced aerosol emissions largely drive temperature fluctuations in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, impacting Sahel rainfall and hurricane formation. The study's results suggest a correlation between reduced aerosol emissions and increased Atlantic hurricane activity and Sahel rainfall.
Fewer but more intense tropical storms predicted over the Ganges and Mekong
Climate experts predict a decline in tropical storm frequency by 50% by 2050 across the Ganges and Mekong basins, but an increase in intensity, with high-resolution models showing significant increases for intense storms. This shift could impact disaster risk mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.
Unveiling global warming’s impact on daily precipitation with deep learning
A deep learning approach has unveiled a significant change in the characteristics of global daily precipitation for the first time. The research found that on more than 50% of all days, there was a clear deviation from natural variability in the daily precipitation pattern since 2015.
Rapid shifts from drought to downpour occurring more often
Research found seven regional hotspots where sudden shifts from drought to heavy rains are becoming more common due to climate change. The study's discovery of land-based feedback loops can help improve predictive climate models and aid communities in preparing for extreme weather conditions.
Past abrupt changes in North Atlantic Overturning have impacted the climate system across the globe
Research reveals that Dansgaard-Oeschger events triggered drastic global changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation, impacting tropical monsoon domains severely. The study's findings support improved models to represent abrupt climate changes, shedding light on the potential impacts of future human-made global warming scenarios.
Scientists zoom in on the Asian monsoon season using satellite data
Scientists have analyzed satellite data to better understand the pre-monsoon season's microphysical features, including larger rain droplets and more heavy ice precipitation on land. Their findings could improve weather prediction and mitigate damage from adverse climate events.
Sediment movement during Hurricane Harvey could negatively impact future flooding, prove costly to Houston, UH study finds
Researchers found 27 million cubic meters of sediment moved through Houston waterways, equivalent to 40% of the Mississippi River's annual discharge. The study suggests river straightening can exacerbate sediment bypass, decreasing reservoir holding capacities by up to 1.6%
Study: Atmospheric circulation weakens following volcanic eruptions
A new study reveals that volcanic eruptions can temporarily weaken the Pacific Walker Circulation, a major driver of global precipitation. The recent strengthening of this circulation suggests that aerosols from human activity may have an opposite effect on its behavior.
Dry lightning can spark wildfires even under wetter conditions
A Washington State University-led study found that dry lightning can cause wildfires despite up to 7.7 mm of precipitation, posing a risk for responders to detect fires earlier. The research analyzed data on over 4,600 naturally caused fires and found holdover fires, which can smolder for days before exploding into full-blown wildfires.
Irrigating more US crops by mid-century will be worth the investment
A Dartmouth-led study suggests that expanded irrigation of corn and soybeans in the US could outweigh costs by mid-century. The research found that certain regions, such as North Dakota and Michigan, would benefit from irrigation due to increasing drought conditions.
Nitrogen runoff strategies complicated by climate change
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
Sri Lanka floods easier to predict with India weather tool
Researchers at the University of Reading have discovered a link between Indian weather forecasting techniques and predicting extreme rainfall in Sri Lanka. By analyzing wind patterns and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, they can identify areas prone to heavy rainfall, allowing communities to better prepare for deadly natural disasters.
Amplification of extreme El Niño events predicted despite CO2 reductions: A call to refine climate policy
Research predicts increased frequency and intensity of extreme El Niño events due to high atmospheric carbon dioxide, even after CO2 reduction. Simulations suggest potential climate regime shifts in affected regions, with some areas experiencing desertification while others face increased flooding.
Canned, frozen corn industry struggling across US growing regions
The US canned and frozen corn industry is struggling in the Midwest due to climate change, with rainfed production areas experiencing significant declines. The analysis also found a strong relationship between extreme temperatures and sweet corn yield loss.
Expanding large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the largest South American breadbasket
Large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the Argentinean Pampas by disrupting groundwater reserves, increasing flood coverage, and making precipitation-sensitive lands more vulnerable. This transformation has resulted in floods doubling their coverage and becoming more sensitive to changes in precipitation.
Mountains vulnerable to extreme rain from climate change
Climate change is shifting snowfall to rainfall on mountains across the Northern Hemisphere, increasing the risk of floods, landslides, and soil erosion. The study found that for every 1 degree Celsius increase in global temperature, high elevations can expect an average of 15% more rain.
New tool predicts crop yields in the Southeast
A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.
Rain gardens could save salmon from toxic tire chemicals
A specially designed garden, rain garden, can capture toxic tire chemicals associated with tires entering waterways by more than 90%. Researchers tested a Vancouver rain garden and found that it captured about 75% of the chemical, preventing it from entering salmon-bearing streams.
Here comes the sun
A recent study suggests that songs with high energy and positive emotions are more likely to match prevailing weather conditions, influencing listener preferences. The research found a strong association between energetic and positive music and warm and sunny weather, but only for popular songs.
Under the weather: Scientists should spend more time in the rain
Researchers highlight the importance of human observation of storm events to understand wet weather's impact on the natural world. Direct observation can enhance understanding, incite curiosity, and strengthen bonds with nature, enriching environmental education and inspiring research.
Climate change: Rising rainfall, not temperatures, threaten giraffe survival
Climate change affects giraffe populations differently than expected, with higher temperatures positively affecting adult survival but rainier wet seasons negatively impacting both adults and calves. Heavy rains increase parasites and reduce nutritional value of vegetation, further threatening giraffe survival.
Brazilian algorithm aims to project future of Amazon Rainforest and predict changes in carbon capture
The CAETÊ algorithm projects the future of vegetation in the Amazon, presenting scenarios for transformation driven by climate change. It shows that a drier climate could increase biodiversity but lower carbon storage, with carbon absorption dropping between 57.48% and 57.75% compared to regular climate conditions.
New research suggests wheat crops may be threatened by unprecedented heat and drought
A new study from Tufts University predicts a significant increase in extreme temperatures affecting wheat yields in the US and China. The research warns of potentially disastrous consequences for global food supplies if crops are impacted by heat stress, which can occur at temperatures above 27.8°C.