Research on rainfall and the water cycle. Covers climate-driven precipitation, hurricanes and storms, moisture transport, and extreme-weather forecasting.
Tropical Storm Daniel formed off western Mexico's coast and strengthened into a tropical storm, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing images of its rainfall and towering clouds. Research shows that a hot tower in the eyewall is twice as likely to intensify within six hours than without one.
Tropical Depression 21P developed in the South Pacific Ocean between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The TRMM Satellite captured rainfall data and cloud heights, revealing a small but organized tropical cyclone with intense convective storms dropping heavy rainfall.
A study finds that the Agulhas rings drive the eastward branch of AMOC deep water transport. A prediction system to protect astronauts from solar storms has been designed and assessed.
Tropical depression Dokuri has weakened but remains a threat to the Philippines, with strong convection and thunderstorms being pushed away from its center. NASA's infrared satellite imagery shows cold cloud top temperatures indicating strong uplift, and warnings are in effect for several provinces.
Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread flooding and heavy rain in Florida, with the highest rainfall totals exceeding 380 mm (~15 inches). The storm's effects were felt well away from its center, resulting in an outbreak of tornadoes over central and southern Florida.
Researchers tracked elephant movement patterns in Kruger National Park, finding sharp changes at season thresholds. This approach offers a biologically relevant definition of seasons, distinct from arbitrary human-made boundaries.
TRMM satellite data shows Debby's heaviest rains were falling at a rate of over 2 inches per hour, with numerous reports of 6-10 inches of rain already reported. The storm is expected to bring very heavy rains to northern and central Florida.
A review of recent research articles found that the South Asian summer monsoon is expected to experience more variability in rainfall due to climate change. However, regional projections for devastating droughts and floods remain uncertain due to inconsistent observations and complex thermodynamic processes.
NASA satellite data shows Tropical Depression Talim's thunderstorms becoming disorganized as it interacts with Taiwan and a nearby frontal system. The depression is expected to dissipate later today due to these factors.
Tropical storm Talim brought almost 600 mm of rainfall to southern Taiwan, with intense rainfall rates reaching 50mm/hr in the Strait of Taiwan. The TRMM satellite captured powerful storms near Talim's center, indicating heights of up to 16km.
Tropical Storm Guchol made landfall in Japan, bringing heavy rainfall to the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. The TRMM satellite detected a large area of rainfall over 500 km from the typhoon's center, highlighting the storm's impact on the region.
Tropical Storm Guchol weakened as it approached Japan, passing over the mainland on June 19, 2012. Radar and infrared imagery captured by NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites showed a weakening typhoon with maximum sustained winds near 55 knots.
Tropical Storm Talim formed in the South China Sea on June 18, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing moderate to heavy rainfall data. The storm is currently moving northeastward at 11 knots and is expected to weaken as it passes through the Strait of Taiwan.
Tropical Storm Talim is experiencing its heaviest rainfall in the south and western quadrants, with some areas reaching Vietnam. The storm is expected to strengthen as it moves northeast towards Taiwan, with sea surface temperatures allowing it to continue its trajectory.
Typhoon Guchol is intensifying and expected to bring rough surf, heavy rainfall, and typhoon conditions to Okinawa and western Japan over the weekend. The storm has spawned alerts in the Philippines and has a compact diameter of approximately 110 nautical miles.
Hurricane Carlotta has intensified, with powerful high thunderstorms almost 10 miles high, and is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to Mexico. The storm is forecast to make landfall in the Mexican states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
Tropical Storm Carlotta has bitter cold cloud tops, indicating strong thunderstorms and high winds. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides to the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Researchers discovered a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where heavy rain acts as a springboard to catch insects. The unique mechanism involves a thin film of water on the wettable rim, causing insects to slip and fall into the digestive fluid.
Researchers discovered a unique trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where raindrops dislodge clinging ants, propelling them into the digestive cavity. This behavior allows for efficient capture of prey without manual intervention.
System 94E has a greater chance of development, with a 60% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next two days. NASA's TRMM satellite observed heavy rainfall and intense convective storms within its area, indicating potential for cyclone formation.
NASA TRMM satellite data shows Tropical Depression Kuena experiencing weaker rainfall rates between June 6 and 7. The storm's intense rainfall rates were found in convective storms that reached heights above 15km.
A recent study found that rain affects waterbird communities in urban estuaries, influencing their populations and diversity. Heavy rainfall leads to increased nutrient runoff, reducing small invertebrate populations and changing the dynamics of waterbird communities.
A team of European scientists found that geoengineering could lead to significant rainfall reduction in large areas, including a 15% decrease in North America and 20% in parts of South America. Climate engineering is unlikely to be a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Typhoon Mawar was observed to be producing a large area of rainfall southeast of Japan, with most heavy rainfall occurring north of the dissipating tropical cyclone's center. The storm's surface temperature and extent were also studied using NASA's Aqua satellite, revealing a lack of an eye wall and weakening circulation.
Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered that mosquitoes can fly through rain due to their strong exoskeleton and low mass. The insect's ability to absorb impact forces from raindrops allows it to survive collisions, with the help of its legs and wings.
Typhoon Mawar brought heavy surf, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds to the Philippines, resulting in several missing and injured people. The storm intensified to typhoon strength before weakening and moving north-northeast, with forecasters predicting it will become an extra-tropical storm south of Japan by mid-week.
Tropical Storm Beryl formed off the Carolina coast and was monitored by NASA satellites. The storm made landfall near Jacksonville, Florida, causing heavy rainfall and dangerous surf conditions in nearby areas.
Typhoon Sanvu transformed into an extra-tropical storm due to cooler sea surface temperatures and wind shear, weakening it significantly. The storm passed Chichi Jima island on May 27, with most rainfall pushed to the northeast of its center.
Hurricane Bud is expected to make a quick landfall in western Mexico before turning back to sea, bringing heavy rainfall and severe flooding to the region. The storm's slow movement may result in life-threatening flash floods and mudslides as it moves over Mexico's rugged coastal terrain.
Bud has become the first hurricane of the eastern Pacific Hurricane Season, with NASA satellites providing key imagery and data. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and life-threatening surf conditions to southwestern Mexico.
The TRMM satellite observed the eastern half of Typhoon Sanvu experiencing most of the rainfall, with intense storms dropping rain at over 2 inches/hr. The storm's track is predicted to bring it close to Japan's Iwo To island on May 26.
Tropical Storm Sanvu continues to intensify under NASA observation, with wind speeds reaching over 60 knots and heavy rainfall wrapping around its northeastern side. The storm's center is predicted to form an eye, energizing the core of the storm with powerful thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall and intensification signs were observed in Tropical Storm Bud by NASA's TRMM satellite. The storm is heading northwest at 9 mph with sustained winds near 65 mph, expected to slow down and turn north-northeast by Friday.
Alberto weakened from a tropical storm to a tropical depression as seen by NASA's Aqua satellite. The National Hurricane Center expects it to continue moving northeast and speed up, eventually becoming a post-tropical remnant low pressure area.
Tropical Storm Alberto formed on May 19, 2012, off South Carolina's coast, with NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites monitoring its development. The storm strengthened to 50 mph by Sunday, but then weakened to 40 mph by Monday morning.
Tropical Depression 03W is expected to strengthen as it approaches Guam, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting a hot tower at 15 kilometers high. The storm will bring rain and gusty winds to the island over the next couple of days.
NASA's TRMM satellite spotted a 'hot tower' in newborn Tropical Depression 2E, indicating the storm is likely to intensify. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 35 mph, and it was moving west at 6 mph.
Australian scientists detected changes in ocean salinity, indicating an acceleration in the global rainfall and evaporation cycle. The water cycle has strengthened by four percent from 1950-2000, with high rainfall regions becoming wetter and arid areas drier due to global warming.
A new study found that rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in European Alpine spruce forests led to more frequent and severe bark beetle attacks. The study suggests that sustainable forest management strategies are necessary to mitigate the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.
Scientists from NASA's Precipitation Measurement Missions discovered that light rain makes up 50-60% of total precipitation in the region, contributing to freshwater resources. The study used satellite data and ground-based instruments to validate measurements and make new discoveries.
Researchers at Kansas State University are updating rainfall distribution data to provide a more accurate benchmark for engineers designing stormwater systems. The study found that the state is experiencing more rain across its entire area, with more intense storms in the southeast region.
A NASA animated video shows a week's worth of ash and gas clouds emitted from Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano, with most debris blowing to the southeast. The volcano's alert level remains at 'Yellow Phase Three' due to potential explosive activity.
A study by Michel Tuan Pham, Leonard Lee, and Andrew T. Stephen found that individuals who trusted their feelings were better able to predict future events than those with less trust. The 'emotional oracle effect' was proven across various predictions, including weather, stock market movements, and movie success.
The TRMM satellite observed powerful thunderstorms in northeastern Texas, reaching heights of over 8 miles. The storms dropped softball-sized hail and triggered 18 reported tornadoes on April 3.
Tropical Storm Daphne brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the Fuji Islands in Fiji, causing at least three deaths and thousands of evacuations. The storm's rainfall totals reached over 600 millimeters, with some areas experiencing intense rain within a wide band of precipitation.
New research reveals that rainfall has a greater impact on China's agriculture than rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found that maize is sensitive to warming but not as affected by rainfall variability as previously thought.
Researchers are developing a climate model to predict malaria outbreaks in India by identifying areas at risk of heavy monsoon rainfall. The model aims to inform early intervention methods and prevent the spread of malaria, reducing economic and health impacts.
Typhoon Pakhar is intensifying over the South China Sea, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall of about 35 mm/hr near its southwestern side. Forecasters expect the storm to peak near 80 knots before landfall in Vietnam on April 1, with typhoon-force winds and rough coastal conditions.
Tropical Storm Pakhar strengthened rapidly, with maximum sustained winds increasing from 35 knots to 60 knots in 12 hours. The storm is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on March 31, bringing rough surf, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall.
Recent extreme weather events show a clear link to global warming, according to a new analysis of scientific evidence. The study found that warming temperatures lead to more frequent heatwaves and heavy rainfall, but the relationship with storms is less clear.
A stalled frontal system is generating severe weather in eastern Texas and Oklahoma, with cloud top temperatures of up to -63.6°F detected by NASA's Aqua satellite. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the region due to heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms.
A new species of pipewort has been discovered in the foot hills of the Western Ghats, a unique and fragile habitat. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving this area, which is under threat from population growth, infrastructure development, and uncontrolled tourism.
Cyclone Lua brought intense winds and heavy rainfall to northern Australia, with NASA satellites tracking rainfall totals. The storm generated up to 20 inches of rain just off the coast before making landfall, with amounts dropping drastically after the cyclone hit.
African farmers inaccurately perceive changes in climate and rainfall, highlighting the need for better climate information to improve farming practices. Researchers found variable precipitation concerns and changing seasonal patterns among survey respondents.
Tropical Storm Lua formed in the Indian Ocean off Australia's northwestern coast, causing moderate rainfall and strong thunderstorms. The storm prompted a Cyclone Watch from Cape Leveque to Mardie, Western Australia, and is expected to strengthen into a cyclone before landfall.
The TRMM satellite's Precipitation Radar instrument provided a three-dimensional profile of precipitation up to 20km height, revealing powerful storm towers around the storm's center reaching 15km. Tropical Storm Koji was predicted to strengthen into a hurricane with peak winds of 70kts, but will weaken soon after.
Tropical Storm Irina is making a unique cyclonic loop in the Mozambique Channel, driven by weather systems pushing it in different directions. NASA satellites have been tracking rainfall and cloud top temperatures, showing heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms in the southern half of the storm.
TRMM satellite reveals heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms near the storm's circulation. The storm's structure was analyzed using 3D images, showing towering thunderstorm towers and high radar reflectivity values.
The GPM mission, a joint effort between NASA and JAXA, aims to improve climate, weather, and hydrological predictions by providing accurate precipitation measurements from space. The GMI instrument will play a crucial role in measuring precipitation and environmental forecasting, particularly during extreme weather events.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone System 92S caused flooding in northern Madagascar, with intense storms dropping rainfall at rates of over 50mm/hr. The TRMM satellite measured high rain totals, including gusty winds and moderate to heavy rainfall along the Mozambique Channel.