Articles tagged with Rain
Researchers discovered cicadas can use jumping droplets to remove contaminants from their wings, offering an alternative to conventional self-cleaning methods. This phenomenon works without relying on external forces or gravity.
Scientists at the University of Hawaii predict that Hawaii's rainfall trend will continue, with less rain and fewer heavy-rain days. A statistical model developed by researchers estimates a significant decrease in heavy rain events during the rainy season from November to April.
Researchers found that two global warming mechanisms complement each other to shape seasonal rainfall in the tropics. The wet-gets-wetter mechanism predicts increased rainfall in already wet regions, while the warmer-gets-wetter mechanism suggests increased rainfall in regions with rising sea surface temperatures.
New NASA satellite imagery shows Cyclone Imelda's strongest thunderstorms and precipitation located east of the storm's center. An upper-level trough is causing subsidence, preventing clouds from forming as air sinks to the surface.
Cyclone Victoria was torn apart by strong wind shear, with TRMM spotting limited rainfall areas. The storm dissipated due to interaction with cool waters.
Researchers used Kauai's unique rainfall gradient to test the relationship between precipitation and erosion, finding a strong correlation between rainfall rates and erosion rates. They also found that factoring precipitation into a widely used mathematical formula improved accuracy in predicting erosion rates.
A new study by Purdue University researchers shows that clean-air regulations have reduced acid rain in the US, Europe, and Japan over the past 30 years, but the opposite is true in fast-growing East Asian megacities due to lax antipollution rules or lack of enforcement. The effects of acid rain can propagate through aquatic ecosystems...
Simulations suggest a shift northward, which could increase or decrease seasonal rainfall in areas such as the Amazon, sub-Saharan Africa or East Asia. A warmer northern hemisphere causes atmospheric overturning to weaken in the north and strengthen in the south, shifting rain bands northward.
The Northern Hemisphere monsoon has intensified, with a 9.5% increase in rainfall, due to natural climate swings rather than global warming alone. Natural long-term climate swings, such as the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, contribute significantly more to this intensification.
NASA's TRMM satellite detected a significant drop in rainfall intensity of Cyclone Sandra from March 11 to 13, with the heaviest rain falling south of the storm's center. The weakening tropical cyclone moved into an area of high wind shear and cold sea surface temperatures, expected to transform it into a cold-core system.
Heavy rains in the Midwest have increased significantly over the past 60 years, according to a study published by the University of Iowa. The research suggests that rising surface temperatures are contributing to this trend, as warmer air can absorb more water vapor, leading to an increase in precipitation.
A new study predicts that the summer monsoon rains over the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico will arrive later in the coming decades due to climate change. The delay is expected to affect agriculture, livestock, and desert ecosystems, with potential impacts on crop yields, wildfires, and water resources.
New research reveals that poor simulation of cloud cover in the Southern Ocean is the primary contributor to climate models' glitch in tropical rainfall. The study found that excessive sunlight reaching the ocean surface causes heat accumulation, leading to incorrect rainfall forecasts.
Heavy rainfall rates of 2 inches/50 mm per hour were observed around the center of circulation, with powerful thunderstorms reaching heights of 9.3 miles (15 kilometers). The tropical storm strengthened and moved east-northeast at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20.3 kph), affecting New Caledonia by March 11.
The Aquarius instrument captures the first full year of surface salinity data, revealing rapid evolutions of salt patterns in the tropics. Salinity variations drive ocean circulation and provide valuable insights into global climate change.
Cyclone Rusty intensified as it approached landfall in Western Australia, with NASA satellites observing increased power and cloud height. The storm's slow movement meant more rainfall, flooding potential, and rough surf along the Pilbara coast.
Cyclone Haruna is being blown apart several hundred miles away from La Reunion Island due to increasing wind shear. The storm's eye has elongated as a result of wind shear, causing the main precipitation to be pushed south of the center.
Cyclone Haruna made landfall near Manombo, Madagascar on February 22, with its eye becoming cloud-filled. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 80 knots after interacting with land, but it will continue to weaken due to friction and wind shear.
Cyclone Haruna strengthened into a cyclone with a wide-eyed eye visible on NASA's Aqua satellite. Heavy rainfall was detected by TRMM satellite, with cloud top temperatures colder than -63F (-52C). The storm is expected to make a brief landfall near Androka in Madagascar as it moves southeast into the southern Indian Ocean.
Cyclone Gino's rainfall is being pushed away from its center due to vertical wind shear. The heaviest rain fell southeast of the center at 2 inches per hour. Cyclone Gino may weaken quickly as it transitions into an extra-tropical storm.
Researchers have found a decreasing trend in intense rainfall frequency in the Ebro basin since 1955. This decrease is attributed to a general decrease in rainfall erosivity, suggesting persistent long-term climate changes.
Climate change models predict higher temperatures and months without rainfall, doubling the risk of death in calves up to five years old. The study highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable calves from the effects of climate change.
Cyclone Felleng formed over the Mozambique Channel and transitioned into a cold core low pressure area, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing its rainfall rates. The storm dissipated in the next couple of days as it moved south-southeast in the open waters of the Southern Indian Ocean.
A global review of rainfall data found that extreme rainfall events are increasing in intensity and frequency due to rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of Climate, shows a 7% increase in extreme rainfall for every degree rise in atmospheric temperature.
A new study reveals that global warming from greenhouse gases has a weaker impact on global precipitation compared to solar heating. The researchers found that the global rainfall rate increased by about 40% less during the present-day warming period than during past warming phases, despite higher temperatures.
A UCI study found that doubling of moisture in air doubles summer rain, boosting runoff but also accelerating monsoons. The extra water vapor accelerates atmospheric circulation, drawing in more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
Cyclone Garry's powerful thunderstorms fueled heavy rainfall over the open waters of the Southern Pacific Ocean. The storm was predicted to weaken while moving toward the southeast, eventually becoming an extra-tropical cyclone.
Cyclone Oswald's remnants continue to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to eastern Queensland, Australia. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology reports rainfall totals exceeding 700 mm in less than 2 days, leading to rapid river rises.
NASA's satellite imagery reveals a powerful band of thunderstorms east of Oswald's center, with temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius). The low-level circulation center has become well-defined, triggering severe weather warnings for destructive winds and heavy rainfall across parts of Australia.
Tropical Storm Peta formed off the coast of Port Hedland, Australia on January 22, 2013, with rain rates reaching up to 94 mm per hour. The storm strengthened into a tropical depression before making landfall and dissipating over land, weakening its structure.
Tropical Storm Oswald brought extreme rainfall to northern Queensland, with NASA's TRMM satellite measuring over 600mm of rain in some areas. The storm caused severe flooding, cutting off communities and forcing travelers to cancel plans.
Tropical Storm Oswald weakened over land in the southwestern Cape York Peninsula of Queenstown, Australia, with maximum sustained winds dropping from 35 knots to 25 knots. The storm brought thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusts up to 90 kph, posing a threat to locations including Aurukun, Weipa, and Cooktown.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii's International Pacific Research Center have made a breakthrough in predicting Asian summer monsoon rainfall and tropical storm activity. By analyzing fluctuations in the western Pacific Subtropical High, they achieved substantially improved skills in forecasting these weather phenomena.
Tropical Storm Emang is showing moderate to heavy rainfall near its center, with estimated rates of 2 inches per hour. The storm is currently moving westward at 3 knots and expected to pass southwest La Reunion Island by January 21.
Cyclone Narelle's intensity has steadily weakened as it moved southward towards Western Australia. TRMM satellite data showed falling cloud heights and weaker rainfall, indicating a significant decrease in the storm's power.
Tropical Storm Narelle is weakening as it moves south along Western Australia's coast, according to NASA. The storm's rainfall rates have decreased, and its eye has become cloud-filled.
Tropical Cyclone Emang developed with strong convection and moderate to heavy rainfall around its center. The storm is expected to slowly intensify over the next couple of days as it travels over open ocean, reaching peak intensity by the end of the week.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle has formed a well-formed storm center with an approximately 15 nautical mile-wide eye, according to NASA's Terra satellite. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds have increased to 115 knots, making it a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensified into a tropical storm after NASA's TRMM satellite detected strong thunderstorms and 'hot towers' indicating intensification. The storm is expected to continue intensifying, potentially reaching wind speeds of 130 knots in three days.
Researchers found a significant link between climate and infant brain infections, with rainfall affecting the number of hydrocephalus cases. The study suggests that environmental conditions can quench bacterial infections, making some cases potentially preventable if understood better.
Cyclone Dumile made landfall on La Reunion and Mauritius, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. The storm's eye had formed by Jan. 2, with satellite imagery showing a ring of coldest clouds around the center.
Post-tropical Storm Freda has weakened significantly over three days, from a powerful cyclone to a remnant low pressure area. NASA satellites captured the storm's decline, showing strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in New Caledonia.
Cyclone Freda intensified over the Southern Pacific Ocean due to warming waters, with NASA satellites measuring increased rainfall and a widening eye. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 105 knots, posing a threat to Vanuatu with heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Tropical Depression Wukong is struggling to survive in the South China Sea, with NASA satellite data showing moderate rainfall near its center. The storm is moving west-southwest and is expected to dissipate over the next day or two, according to forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Cyclone Evan is one of the strongest to affect Fiji in almost two decades, causing widespread damage and flooding. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center uses NASA satellite data to forecast its path, which may be the strongest storm to hit Fiji since 1993.
Tropical Cyclone Evan is intensifying, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall to the Samoan Islands. The storm's clear eye wall is generating intense rainfall rates of over 80 mm per hour.
Tropical Cyclone Evan's eye-like structure was observed on Dec. 11 by TRMM's Precipitation Radar, indicating powerful storms and heavy rainmakers. By Dec. 13, Evan had intensified, with maximum sustained winds reaching 90 knots, and its eye being approximately 6 nautical miles wide.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured clear images of Cyclone Claudia's eye, showing a 10 nautical mile wide storm surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm's eye was characterized by high cloud top temperatures and intense rainfall.
Typhoon Bopha's heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides in the southern Philippines, killing hundreds of people. The TRMM satellite's data showed the heaviest rain was located near eastern Mindanao, with rainfall totals over 100mm covering a large area.
NASA's Terra and TRMM satellites gathered data as Super Typhoon Bopha approached the Philippines, revealing its maximum sustained winds of 161 mph. The storm intensified into a Category 5 typhoon on December 3, prompting warnings for the region.
Typhoon Bopha intensified into a typhoon with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing rainfall data and noticing 'Hot Tower' thunderstorms. The storm had several hot towers over 9.3 miles high, indicating an increased risk of intensification.
The 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season was marked by 19 tropical cyclones, with 10 becoming hurricanes and one major hurricane. The TRMM satellite's accurate measurements revealed high rainfall totals in 'Hurricane Alley,' with some areas receiving over 38 inches of rain.
Tropical Storm Bopha is moving through Micronesia in the western North Pacific Ocean, triggering warnings and watches. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and wind gusts to Woleai and surrounding islands, with the center passing about 180 miles south of Woleai on Friday night.
A NASA study using TRMM satellite data found that 2010 was the deadliest year for rainfall-triggered landslides, with 1,765 fatalities and $759 million in damages. The research used a global database of landslide events and satellite-based rainfall information to identify areas with high landslide risks.
NASA's Aqua satellite captures infrared image of Tropical Storm Bopha on Nov. 27, indicating a lot of power and cold cloud tops with temperatures below -63F. The National Weather Service issues warnings and watches for affected islands, as the storm is expected to continue intensifying.
Tropical Depression 26W is threatening islands within Micronesia with heavy rain and strong winds. NASA's TRMM satellite imagery showed large, fragmented thunderstorms containing heavy rain and towering convective towers indicating intensification.
A study found that extreme rainfall in the UK is expected to shift later in the year, especially in the south-east, where it will peak in autumn. This could lead to an increased risk of flooding, particularly when river catchments are at their maximum water capacity.
Researchers found that mosquitoes struggle to fly in heavy fog, despite their ability to withstand raindrops. The study reveals that the tiny fog particles overwhelm the mosquito's gyroscopic sensors, leading to flight failure.
Tropical Depression 25W showed a small area of heavy rainfall near the South China Sea, with rates reaching 2 inches per hour, while the rest of the storm had light to moderate rainfall. The depression was weakening due to wind shear and land interaction, eventually dissipating over the Andaman Sea on Nov. 15.
Himalayan glaciers in Bhutan are projected to shrink by 10% within a few decades despite stable temperatures. Glacial meltwater could drop by 30%, increasing the risk of flooding in neighboring villages.