Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong convection and thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Nadine, strengthening it back into a hurricane. The storm has lingered for over two weeks, but is still far from breaking the record for longest-lived tropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Ewiniar's clouds revealed a partially exposed low-level circulation center, open to outside winds that can affect its trajectory. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with the strongest on the eastern quadrant, were observed around the storm.
Tropical Storm Nadine has weakened significantly with light rainfall surrounding its center of circulation, according to NASA's TRMM satellite data. The storm is expected to turn west and northwest as it moves around a high pressure area.
Super Typhoon Jelawat showed intense rainfall rates around its eye, while Tropical Storm Ewiniar's heaviest rainfall was pushed north of its center due to wind shear. NASA's TRMM satellite measured heavy rainfall rates of up to 3.1 inches per hour in Jelawat.
Nadine, a minimal tropical storm, has been spinning south of the Azores for nearly two weeks due to unfavorable conditions. Despite its long life, Nadine still lacks the characteristics necessary to break the record for longest-living tropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Nadine has cleared of convection, indicating a decrease in thunderstorms. A low-pressure area is forming in the central Atlantic, while another in the eastern Pacific shows promising signs of organization and warm sea surface temperatures.
Tropical Storm Jelawat forms in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its true-color image on Sept. 20. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 45 knots, moving west-southwest at 7 knots.
Tropical Storm Nadine has continued to display tropical characteristics, indicating it has not transitioned to an extra-tropical storm. NASA's TRMM satellite gathered rainfall data, showing convection near the center and a maximum intensity of rainfall about 20 mm/hr.
Tropical Storm Nadine's rainfall rates are diminishing according to NASA satellite data. The lack of convection near the storm's center indicates a possible decaying or weakening trend for Nadine.
Typhoon Sanba caused severe flooding and landslides in South Korea on September 17, 2012. The TRMM satellite captured data showing intense rain bands with rates of over 90 mm per hour, and powerful thunderstorms reaching heights of up to 14km
A study by MIT estimates that tropical regions will see 10% heavier rainfall extremes with every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, posing significant risks for flooding. The research suggests a higher sensitivity of tropical extreme rainfall to global warming than previously thought.
Typhoon Sanba made landfall in southern South Korea on Sept. 17, causing power outages, canceled flights, and ferries. The storm's extensive cloud cover stretched from South Korea to eastern Siberia, affecting over 67,000 homes in Japan.
Tropical Storm Nadine continues to battle wind shear and dry air that are keeping it under hurricane status, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. Satellite imagery shows Nadine has grown in size but appears more ragged and disorganized, with decreasing convection around the center of circulation.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed intense rain falling at 3 inches per hour around Super Typhoon Sanba, with powerful hot towering thunderstorms near its center. The storm is expected to make landfall on South Korea's south coast on September 17.
Sanba intensified from Tropical Storm to Super Typhoon on Sept. 12-13, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data showing massive thunderstorms and heavy rain over the western North Pacific. The storm featured a large eye surrounded by strong convection and strong thunderstorms, consistent with an annular typhoon
Research finds that dry soils increase the likelihood of afternoon storms globally, contradicting current climate models. The study's findings have significant implications for predicting regional weather patterns and understanding global climate change.
NASA's Global Hawk aircraft and satellites closely monitored Tropical Storm Nadine's development, capturing detailed data on wind patterns, rainfall rates, and storm structure. The storms were analyzed using a combination of NASA satellites, including TRMM, GOES-13, and Aqua.
Research using satellite data found convective precipitation is more common over dry regions, suggesting a different mechanism than previously thought. The study's findings challenge existing computer models and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.
Tropical Storm Leslie and Hurricane Michael are being closely monitored by NASA, with Leslie now past Bermuda and Michael weakening due to cooler waters. Leslie is expected to transition from a warm core system to a cold core system, while Michael's weakening is attributed to atmospheric conditions and ocean temperatures.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that painting building roofs white can reduce average temperatures in urban areas but also disrupt regional hydroclimates. The study, focusing on Arizona's Sun Corridor, shows a 12% reduction in rainfall and an additional 4% decrease with white roofs.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed intense rainfall and towering thunderstorms in Hurricane Michael, indicating a potential intensification. Over the next 24 hours, Michael's maximum sustained winds more than doubled from 50 mph to 115 mph.
Hurricane Isaac brought beneficial rain to drought-stricken regions in the Midwest, with rainfall totals ranging from 40-120 mm. The storm also caused significant flooding in Haiti and southeastern Florida, resulting in fatalities and property damage.
Tropical Storm Michael showcased strong thunderstorms in its northeastern 'arm' with cloud top temperatures reaching -63 Fahrenheit (-52 Celsius), indicating heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to continue moving northeast and may strengthen into a hurricane by Friday due to relaxing wind shear.
A study by the University of Leeds finds that tropical forests produce significantly more rain than vegetation, with the Amazon and Congo forests maintaining rainfall over surrounding areas. This could have catastrophic consequences for people living thousands of kilometres away if these forests are destroyed.
NASA's TRMM satellite spotted hot towers around Ileana's center, indicating a strong increase to hurricane status. The storm strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 80 mph within 24 hours.
Tropical Storm Isaac is bringing heavy rainfall and a storm surge to the US Gulf Coast region and lower Mississippi River Valley, with NASA satellites providing critical data on rainfall rates and intensity. The National Hurricane Center expects prolonged flooding in the affected area, with total rainfall amounts of 7-14 inches expected.
Hurricane Isaac made two landfalls in southeastern Louisiana, causing widespread flooding due to its slow movement and intense energy from warm Gulf waters. The storm also brought isolated tornadoes as it moved inland, posing a significant threat to the region.
Tropical Storm Bolaven is generating heavy rainfall and has been causing concern for flooding as it makes landfall in North Korea and southeastern China. The storm's cloud cover was extensive, blanketing the region with heavy precipitation rates greater than 75 mm/hr.
Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to make landfall in the US Gulf Coast, bringing storm surge and heavy rainfall. NASA satellites are providing critical data for forecasters to track the storm's progress.
Hurricane Isaac is expected to bring heavy rain and storm surge to the northern Gulf Coast. The large storm system poses a threat for flooding due to its slow movement over Louisiana, and residents are bracing for the arrival of the hurricane.
Heavy rainfall observed by NASA's TRMM satellite over Tropical Storm Isaac poses significant risks to the eastern Caribbean, particularly Hispaniola and Cuba. The storm is expected to bring extreme rainfall totals of 8-12 inches, with isolated amounts reaching up to 20 inches.
Scientists suggest cloud seeding could reduce hurricane power by a category by increasing sunlight reflection in clouds above hurricane development regions. The technique, Marine Cloud Brightening, could also lead to increased rainfall in some areas but not others.
Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Eastern Caribbean, according to NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite. The storm has weakened slightly since its formation in August, but remains a tropical storm with sustained winds near 40 mph.
Tropical Storm Isaac is bringing heavy rainfall to the Lesser Antilles, while Tropical Depression 10 forms east of Isaac. Both storms are showing good circulation and are expected to strengthen in the coming days.
A recent study suggests that the ancient Maya's extensive forest clearance may have exacerbated droughts in their empire, potentially hastening their decline. The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters, utilized computer simulations to model the impact of deforestation on climate patterns.
A new study finds that the frequency of extreme shifts in the South Pacific rain band will almost double in the next 100 years, resulting in increased floods and droughts. The warming atmosphere and oceans will also intensify these events, causing massive droughts, severe food shortages, and coral reef mortality.
A new database reveals that landslides kill ten times more people than previously thought, with 32,300 fatalities documented between 2004 and 2010. The Durham Fatal Landslide Database identifies areas most at risk, enabling policymakers to prioritize action to manage hazards and lessen human population risks.
Tropical storm Kai-tak is causing more rain in the Philippines as it passes over northern Luzon, with Public storm warning signals in effect for several provinces. The storm has dropped extreme amounts of rainfall, including intense precipitation of over 100mm/hr, affecting the island of Luzon and neighboring areas.
The TRMM satellite captured a small area of moderate to heavy rainfall around the center of Tropical Storm Hector, with rainfall rates reaching 2 inches per hour. However, wind shear from moderate east winds is expected to persist, preventing Hector from strengthening.
NASA is monitoring four tropical systems across the Atlantic, including Tropical Depression Ernesto, which is generating heavy rainfall over Mexico's mountains. Meanwhile, the remnants of Tropical Storm Florence are lingering near Puerto Rico, while Tropical Depression 7 and System 93L may develop into new cyclones in the coming days.
TRMM satellite data reveals areas of intense rainfall, with powerful convective thunderstorms dropping rain at a rate greater than 50mm/h, potentially intensifying the storm. Heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash floods and mudslides in affected regions, with up to 15 inches of rain predicted in some areas.
Tropical Storm Haikui made landfall in Zhejiang province, China, on August 8, bringing heavy rainfall with totals of up to 17 inches. The NASA Aqua satellite captured an image of the storm, showing an organized tropical storm with high thunderstorms casting shadows on surrounding clouds.
Heavy rainfall and high thunderstorms are expected from NASA's observations of Tropical Storm Ernesto, with estimated totals of 12 inches in isolated areas. The storm's center is surrounded by strong storms, producing cloud top temperatures as cold as -63F (-52C).
Tropical Storm Ernesto has its strongest thunderstorms on the eastern and northern sides of the storm. The area of strongest storms has expanded during the morning hours of August 7, wrapped around the center of circulation.
Typhoon Haikui is approaching mainland China, with NASA tracking its movement and intensity using visible and infrared light. The storm's strongest storms had cloud top temperatures near -63F, packing heavy rainfall.
Tropical Storm 13W showed strong uplift and high cloud tops north and east of its center, indicating powerful atmosphere circulation. Forecasters expect the storm to maintain intensity while tracking into drier air, preventing further intensification.
Typhoon Saola is approaching Taiwan but stretches over the north and central Philippines, triggering warnings. The storm's huge extent has triggered public storm warning signals across several provinces.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of the critically endangered snub-nosed monkey species in China's Yunnan province. The population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals and faces numerous threats due to habitat loss and hunting.
NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite identified 'hot towers' in Typhoon Vicente, indicating rapid intensification. The storm intensified by 50 knots within six hours, with sustained winds reaching 120 knots.
Tropical Depression Khanun made landfall in western South Korea on July 19, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The satellite tracked the northeastern progression of the cyclone as it moved toward North Korea and northeastern China, eventually dissipating due to atmospheric conditions.
Tropical Depression Khanun made landfall in South Korea on July 19, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread flooding and power outages. The storm's remnants moved over the Sea of Japan by 11 a.m. EDT, leaving behind significant damage and one reported fatality.
The TRMM satellite observed hurricane remnants dissipating in cool Eastern Pacific waters due to upper-level winds and surface temperatures below the necessary threshold for tropical cyclone maintenance. The remnants contained only light to moderate rainfall, located north of the low-pressure center.
Tropical Storm Khanun is weakening as it approaches a landfall in western South Korea, bringing heavy rainfall and high seas. The storm is expected to make landfall just south of the North Korean border and then rapidly weaken.
Tropical Storm Khanun is expected to increase in power and affect South and North Korea as it moves northward through the Yellow Sea. The TRMM satellite provided a 3-D view of Khanun's rainfall structure, showing powerful convective storms near the center pushing to heights of about 17 kilometers.
NASA's TRMM satellite observed hot towers within Tropical Depression 06E, which later became Tropical Storm Fabio. The research found that storms with hot towers were twice as likely to intensify within six hours than those without.
Tropical Storm Daniel, once a hurricane, is weakening due to moving over cooler waters in the Pacific Ocean. NASA's TRMM satellite data shows light to moderate rainfall with average Sea Surface Temperatures of around 24-25 C.
Two hurricanes, Daniel and Emilia, are being tracked by NASA's TRMM satellite, which showed intense rainfall in Emilia's northwestern quadrant. Hurricane-force winds extend only 25 miles from the center of both storms, with Emilia expected to intensify further
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a smart headlight system that reduces glare caused by rain and snow. The system uses a camera to track raindrops and adjusts the light projection accordingly, eliminating 70-80% of visible rain during heavy storms.
Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that low rainfall and high temperatures increase the numbers of larvae in storm water catch basins. The study, published in Journal of Medical Entomology, highlights the importance of monitoring mosquito populations in these areas to track West Nile Virus disease cases.
NASA's TRMM satellite revealed heavy rain falling around the southern periphery of Tropical Storm Daniel's center, reaching rates of over 2 inches/50 mm per hour. The storm is moving westward into the open waters of the eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 65 mph.