Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
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.
A study led by University of Washington researchers identifies unusual weather patterns that contributed to the 2010 India flood, which killed 193 people. The findings suggest that organized clouds in high mountains can tap into additional moisture from nearby bodies of water, leading to severe flash flooding.
Tropical Storm Rosa experienced strong convection pushed southeast of its center due to wind shear. The AIRS instrument captured infrared images showing the strongest thunderstorms in that area had cloud tops as cold as -63F (-52C), leading to heavy rain, weakening Rosa's organization.
Hurricane Sandy's heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding along the US eastern seaboard, with rainfall totals over 260mm in open Atlantic waters and 180mm in coastal areas. The storm resulted in over 120 reported deaths, mainly due to flooding and high winds.
The TRMM satellite provided valuable insights into Hurricane Sandy's properties, including a weak eyewall with modest precipitation and relatively light updrafts. The satellite also detected vigorous storm cells in the super-sized rainband extending to the west and north of the hurricane's center.
NASA used CloudSat and Aqua satellites to study Hurricane Sandy's structure and behavior, revealing a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. The storm's large wind field and heavy precipitation associated with its outer bands posed significant challenges for the eastern US coast.
A new study by Matthew Widlansky and Axel Timmermann found that rainfall projections for South Pacific islands are highly uncertain due to two competing effects of greenhouse warming. The 'wet gets wetter' mechanism suggests heavier rainfall, while the 'warmest gets wetter' mechanism predicts drying in some regions.
Hurricane Sandy is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic region, with forecasters calling it a potential 'Frankenstorm'. NASA satellites have provided crucial rainfall data, helping predict total rainfall amounts of 6-12 inches across Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Tropical Storm Son-tinh is moving into the South China Sea after affecting the Philippines. The storm is expected to cross the sea and make landfall in northern Vietnam on October 27.
Hurricane Sandy's powerful storm system is moving towards the Bahamas, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The satellite imagery captures a large area of cold cloud tops indicating the storm's power, with temperatures as low as -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius) in some areas.
The TRMM satellite monitored rainfall and towering clouds as the first tropical cyclone of the season formed in the Arabian Sea. Rainfall rates reached up to 41 mm/hour, with thunderstorms surrounding the center of the storm.
Climate change is altering rainfall patterns in Panama, which affects frog reproductive strategies. Some species, like the pantless treefrog, may adapt to changing conditions by switching between aquatic and terrestrial egg-laying.
Tropical Storm Sandy's intensification confirmed by NASA research, reaching hurricane strength in just six hours. The storm showed good organization and powerful 'hot towers' near its center of circulation.
Tropical Depression 18 (TD18) formed in the southwestern Caribbean Sea on Oct. 22, according to NASA's TRMM satellite. The depression has a 'hot towering' thunderstorm indicating potential intensification within 6 hours.
Prapiroon, a large and powerful storm in the western North Pacific, has transitioned into an extra-tropical cyclone. The storm is expected to weaken over the next few days, eventually fading away from view.
Tropical Storm Prapiroon experiences heavy rainfall due to interaction with a frontal system over Japan. The storm has weakened significantly, with maximum sustained winds dropping near 35 knots.
Tropical Storm Maria is experiencing strong wind shear that is limiting its rainfall to the east of its center. The low-level center of the storm is now exposed, and with cooler sea surface temperatures, the combination is expected to dissipate by October 19.
Tropical Storm Prapiroon was found to have intense rain bands dropping rain at a rate of about 30-40 mm/hour in the southern quadrant. The storm is expected to move northeast on Oct. 17 and become extra-tropical thereafter.
Hurricane Rafael's large span covers several hundred miles and dwarfs Bermuda, with the National Hurricane Center predicting 2-4 inches of rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds. The merging of systems is expected to cause Rafael to transition into a powerful extra-tropical low moving eastward over the far north Atlantic.
Hurricane Paul is forecast to make landfall in Baja California, bringing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds. The storm's center is expected to pass near Mexico's Socorro Island, which has already been battered by the hurricane.
Tropical Storm Anais saw light to moderate rainfall southeast of its center due to northwesterly wind shear. The storm had weakened since the previous day with no heavy rainfall areas detected.
Tropical Storm Maria has a large area of moderate to heavy rainfall, with most rain occurring northeast of the storm's center. The TRMM satellite measured rainfall rates between 0.78-1.57 inches/hour and 2 inches/hour in a small area.
Typhoon Prapiroon exhibited strongest rainfall on its southeastern side, with a rate of 50 mm/2 inches per hour. The storm's vertical structure was revealed through data gathered from TRMM's Precipitation Radar.
A University of Cincinnati pilot study found that nodding wild onion and goldmoss sedum can survive and thrive on green roofs in the Southwest Ohio region. The research tested four Ohio native plants and one sedum under two conditions, with all plants receiving regular watering surviving.
Typhoon Prapiroon brought light-to-moderate rainfall throughout, with a small area of heavy rain near the storm's center. The satellite detected rain rates between .78 to 1.57 inches/20 to 40 mm per hour in this region.
The first tropical cyclone of the Southern Indian Ocean season has been spotted by NASA's TRMM satellite, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots. The system is expected to continue intensifying over the next three days before wind shear increases.
Tropical Storm Patty formed on October 11 and showed strong thunderstorms around its center, intensifying into a tropical storm within six hours. NASA's satellite imagery captured the storm's rainfall intensity and cloud heights, indicating a potential strengthening of the system before it weakens due to dry air.
A new crop insurance plan offers Rwandan farmers protection from extreme weather, using automated weather stations. The program, called Kilimo Salama, provides insurance to thousands of farmers in the Southern and Western provinces, shielding them from financial losses.
Scientists at the University of Hawaii found a significant decrease in northeast trade wind days from 291 to 210 per year. This change is linked to an increase in eastern trade winds and may impact climate patterns, including droughts in Hawaii.
Some desert plant species adapt well to climate change, benefiting from fluctuating weather conditions. This is contrary to predictions by climate models, which forecast unfavorable effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that these plants have a unique physiology allowing them to thrive in arid regions.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed very little rainfall in Nadine on its final pass before dissolution on October 4, 2012. Nadine was producing light to moderate rainfall east of its center when a cold front approached, contributing to its demise.
Nadine, a tropical cyclone, was monitored by NASA's TRMM satellite before its dissipation on October 4, 2012. The satellite showed minimal rainfall remaining in the storm, indicating its impending demise.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed the heaviest rainfall in Tropical Storm Gaemi surrounding its center, with rates reaching 2 inches per hour. The storm is expected to make landfall south of Hue, Vietnam on October 6, bringing deteriorating coastal conditions.
Research by CSIRO scientists reveals a southward shift in the subtropical dry-zone is driving autumn rainfall decline across south-eastern Australia. The expansion also affects southern-coastal Chile and southern Africa, with some regions experiencing increased rainfall during April-May.
NASA's TRMM satellite captured the heaviest rainfall east of Tropical Storm Maliski's center, falling at rates up to 2 inches per hour. The storm has become less organized and is expected to strengthen before passing Iwo To.
Researchers found that oxygen isotopes in tree rings preserve the isotopic composition of rainwater, providing a valuable historical archive of rainfall in the Amazon. This new method allows for better understanding of long-term hydrological patterns and natural variability of the climate system.
Scientific studies reveal pros and cons of free market approach to water trading in Australia's Murray Darling Basin. Researchers also uncover connections between typhoon tracks, rainfall patterns, and flood timing, with potential applications for improved real-time flood warning systems.
Tropical Storm Nadine has weakened from a hurricane and is now expected to move toward the south-southeast, potentially affecting the Azores. Wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures are forecasted to lead to its weakening.
NASA monitored Tropical Storm Miriam's decline and formation of new storm Norman in the Eastern Pacific. Miriam's maximum sustained winds reached 30 knots as it transitioned to a remnant low pressure area.