Storms
Articles tagged with Storms
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Predicting typhoon intensity using ocean surface temperatures
Transient windstorms pose danger to railroad transport—how can we tackle it?
A recent study has developed an analytical model of downburst wind fields, which reproduces key observable features while adhering to fundamental mechanical principles. The model proposes a framework for assessing train overturning due to downbursts, with high train speeds identified as the most significant contributor to increased risk.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.
Hurricane-resilient coastal forests in the Northeastern U.S. may be nearing their limits
Researchers found a significant reduction in tree-ring growth after major hurricanes, but these trees can recover quickly within two years. Coastal forests in the Northeastern US are vulnerable to sea-level rise and stand dead or dying trees, posing a threat to densely populated communities.
Warming intensifies rainfall in North Atlantic storms
A new study reveals that tropical cyclones and post-tropical cyclones are responding differently to surface warming, resulting in increased rainfall intensity and longer-lasting storms. Warmer temperatures lead to wetter tropical cyclones, especially in warm, low-latitude regions.
New satellite driven model provides “more realistic and reliable” predictions of sand and dust storm emissions
A new satellite-driven model, dEARTH, provides more realistic predictions of sand and dust storm (SDS) severity by accounting for dynamic changes in soil surfaces. The study found that SDS transport is sparse and discontinuous, reducing affected land area by 69% and global transport magnitude by 45%.
Fantastic fungi found with ability to freeze water
Researchers have identified fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures, making them a potential alternative to toxic silver iodide in cloud seeding. The discovery could lead to safer weather modification and improved food preservation techniques.
AMS Science Preview: Mississippi River, ocean carbon storage, gender and floods
Researchers investigated the Mississippi River's hydrological trends, ocean carbon storage, and gender dynamics in flood mortality. A study found that precipitation increases, but soil moisture decreases, while high-resolution models reveal stronger Southern Ocean carbon absorption. Additionally, data showed men are overrepresented in ...
OU researchers are using revolutionary radars to advance lightning monitoring and storm electrification research
Researchers are using a revolutionary radar system to transform understanding of lightning and electrification, helping to improve storm warnings and assess damage risk. The system, named Horus, can capture rapid scans of storms, allowing for clearer pictures of lightning plasma and its distinctive polarimetric indicators.
Finer-scale simulations show promise for forecasting dangerous valley storms
Researchers found that increasing weather forecasting model resolution to the kilometre scale can improve predictions of flash floods and landslides. Higher-resolution simulations accurately captured storm intensity, timing, and location, while lower-resolution models smoothed out critical wind pattern details.
Thunderstorms don’t just appear out of thin air - scientists' key finding to improve forecasting
Researchers found interactions between soil moisture patterns and wind in the lowest atmosphere influence where storms develop, providing clues to forecasters about location. The study aims to improve certainty about upcoming storms on hot days and save lives, livestock, and property.
Predicting extreme rainfall through novel spatial modeling
Researchers developed a new method to predict extreme rainfall in Japan, using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation - Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (INLA-SPDE), which outperformed traditional kriging methods. The study used hourly precipitation data from 752 meteorological stations across four main islands of Japan and fo...
Magdalen Islands’ peatlands hold vital clues about ancient Atlantic hurricanes, Concordia research finds
Scientists analyzed peatland samples to reconstruct 4,000-year history of storm activity in the northwestern Atlantic. The study found increased storminess in three periods: 800-550 BCE, 500-750 CE, and 1300-1700 CE, which aligns with eastern Canada records.
Thunderstorms conjure ghostly coronae in treetops, observed outdoors for the first time
Researchers have observed and measured weak electrical discharges, known as coronae, on trees during thunderstorms for the first time. The phenomenon may impact canopy health, with coronae burning leaf tips and potentially damaging trees over time, sparking further investigation into its effects.
AMS Science Preview: Hurricane slowdown, school snow days
A new study finds that U.S. tornado activity is shifting southeastward due to the relationship between extratropical cyclones and low-pressure systems. Additionally, global warming has led to a fourfold increase in tropical cyclone rapid slowdown events in coastal areas.
Functional forecasting: University of Rhode Island team uses Homeland Security exercises to evaluate storm decision support tool as part of Katrina lookback issue
A University of Rhode Island team used Homeland Security exercises to evaluate their storm decision support tool, CHAMP, for improving response to major coastal storms. The exercise simulated the impact of Hurricane Henri on Rhode Island and found that tools like CHAMP can geolocate vulnerabilities and simulate weather hazards.
New study identifies warning signs for extreme flash flooding
Researchers at Newcastle University and the UK Met Office identified a three-layered atmospheric structure associated with heavy rainfall developing within minutes. The findings help explain record-breaking rainfall and flash floods in the UAE and Oman in April 2024, and may aid future improvements in identifying risk.
Research clarifies record-late monsoon onset, aiding northern Australian communities
A recent study has clarified the record-late monsoon onset in Australia, defining its critical impact on water security and cattle industry. The researchers found that local wind conditions over Darwin prevented the upper-level winds from switching to easterlies.
Tornado-forecast system can increase warning lead times, study finds
Researchers at the University of Kansas have developed a tornado-forecast system called Warn-on-Forecast System (WoFS) that can predict tornado formation up to an hour before it occurs. The system uses high-resolution simulations and gauges uncertainties, providing guidance on severe weather threats.
£3.7 million project aims to provide unprecedented analysis of mesophotic coral reefs
A £3.7 million project aims to provide unprecedented analysis of mesophotic coral reefs' vulnerability to climate change and identify ways to protect them. The study will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect comprehensive data on biodiversity, health, and environmental parameters.
Cleaner ship fuel is reducing lightning in key shipping lanes, research finds
Research from the University of Kansas finds that cuts in sulfur emissions from oceangoing vessels have led to a reduction in lightning stroke density along heavily trafficked shipping routes in the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea. The drop in sulfates from ships can cause fewer cloud condensation nuclei, resulting in weaker convecti...
UF dives deep into predicting storm damage with computer models
A team of researchers used innovative approaches, including public data and machine learning models, to create more accurate predictions of coastal erosion and infrastructure damage. The project aims to improve storm preparedness and timeliness.
AMS 2026 Meeting showcases atmospheric science and the “human factor”
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
Flood risks in delta cities are increasing, study finds
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
FAU survey: Hurricane season ends, but weather woes push Floridians to move
A Florida Atlantic University survey finds that 36% of Floridians have moved or are considering relocating due to weather hazards. The survey also reveals concerns about climate change, with only half of Floridians believing it is caused by human activity.
AMS Science Preview: Railways and cyclones; pinned clouds; weather warnings in wartime
Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.
Study provides new forecasts of remote islands’ vulnerability to sea level rise
A new study has analyzed a rare flooding event in the Maldives in July 2022 and found it could become a far more common occurrence in the future. By 2050, predicted rises in sea levels, coupled with increased extreme weather events, may result in such flooding happening every two to three years.
Increasing lifted dust from Mongolia for Central East Asia dust storms
A recent study found that Mongolia has become a major source of dust emissions in Central East Asia, with total emissions increasing sevenfold from 2020 to 2023. The study attributes this shift to stronger surface winds, vegetation degradation, and reduced soil moisture.
Fire in the sky: Strong summer storms in the Midwest send wildfire smoke into the previously pristine stratosphere
Research shows strong Midwest summer storms can puncture the stratosphere, bringing aerosols and burning biomass from western wildfires. This could affect the ozone layer's stability and warm the stratosphere.
In the face of extreme weather events’ devastating effects on power grids, study identifies vulnerabilities that drive prolonged outages, suggests ways to reduce disruptions
Researchers analyzed power outage data and weather records to identify planning vulnerabilities and criticality as drivers of prolonged local outages. Targeted interventions, such as isolating critical nodes and improving operational flexibility, can reduce customer outages by up to 49.5%.
AMS science preview: global heat record false? Rainier storms
Recent research from the American Meteorological Society reveals a false global heat record, suggests that severe weather events are increasing in frequency, and predicts an expansion of fire-prone areas. The study also examines the impact of cold wakes on tropical cyclone rainfall and finds that they intensify with global warming.
Climate change is supercharging Europe’s biggest hail
New research suggests that severe hail storms in Europe will become less frequent but bigger and more devastating, especially in Southern Europe. Climate experts attribute this to warmer temperatures causing hail to form higher in the atmosphere, where storm updrafts are weaker.
Purdue study uncovers why some hurricanes balloon in size and what that means for forecasting future storms
A new study by Purdue University researchers reveals that hurricanes grow in size faster when traveling over locally warm waters, which can help improve daily forecasting of hurricane size and impacts. This discovery has the potential to better model hurricane size in long-term risk models used by industry.
Scientists track lightning “pollution” in real time using NASA satellite
Researchers from the University of Maryland tracked lightning storms in real-time using NASA's TEMPO instrument, detecting nitrogen oxide emissions that affect climate and air quality. The study reveals how lightning can produce pollutants that travel long distances, influencing air quality far from the original storm.
New Reichman University study: bacteria survive dust storms and introduce new genetic traits into our air
A new study reveals bacteria can survive inside dust particles transported through desert storms, carrying new genes that may affect human health. The research team identified a beneficial bacterium from the Bacillus subtilis family, which could enhance applications in agriculture, construction, and medicine.
Wind isn’t the only threat: USF-led scientists urge shift to more informed hurricane scale
A new model incorporates rainfall and storm surge, leading causes of hurricane deaths. The proposed scale aims to improve evacuation decisions by providing a more accurate picture of the storm's severity.
Tropical systems spin up Mid-South crop insurance rates
A new study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics found that tropical systems significantly impact crop insurance premium rates in the Mid-South region. The researchers analyzed data from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, which are more prone to hurricane damage due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
AMS science preview: New lightning record, fewer hurricanes, fire forecasts
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
Weather-tracking advances are revealing astonishing extremes of lightning
Researchers used space-based instruments to measure a record-setting megaflash spanning 515 miles from Texas to Kansas City. Megaflashes are rare, occurring less than 1% of the time, and can be deadly, striking people up to 15 miles from their storm origin.
So what do the world’s coastlines look like in 2025?
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
Thunderstorms are a major driver of tree death in tropical forests
A new study reveals that thunderstorms are a major cause of tree death in tropical forests, explaining patterns of mortality and carbon storage. The research highlights the growing threat of storms to trees and the planet's carbon stores.
New research aims to better predict and understand cascading land surface hazards
A new framework developed by researchers aims to better predict and understand cascading land surface hazards, which can increase the risk of subsequent events. The study's findings could help improve disaster response and build societal resilience after natural hazards.
Study challenges climate change's link to our wild winter jet stream
Researchers found several volatile phases in the polar jet stream over the past 125 years that predate significant climate change effects. The study suggests that natural fluctuations may be driving recent erratic behavior of the jet stream, rather than climate change.
Alps could face a doubling in torrential summer rainfall frequency as temperatures rise by 2°C
A new study predicts that a 2°C temperature rise could double the frequency of short-lived summer downpours in the Alpine region, causing severe damage and posing risks to lives. The analysis of nearly 300 mountain weather stations found that warm air retains more moisture, intensifying thunderstorm activity.
Multiple extreme climate events at the same time may be the new normal
Researchers at Uppsala University predict that concurrent extreme events will become more frequent due to climate change, posing new challenges for preparedness. The study examines six types of events and finds a sharp increase in combinations of heatwaves and forest fires, as well as heatwaves and droughts, in various regions worldwide.
Researchers use deep learning to predict flooding this hurricane season
Researchers developed a new deep learning framework to predict extreme water levels during hurricanes, enabling smarter decisions and potentially saving lives. The framework, LSTM-SAM, analyzes patterns from past storms to make accurate predictions in areas with limited data, using transfer learning techniques.
2021’s Hurricane Ida could have been even worse for NYC
New simulations map Ida's effects fully for the first time, showing how damage and casualties could have been worse in parts of New York City. The team used a respected modeling system to investigate the unusual nature of Ida and its potential impact on NYC.
What a busy hurricane season means for Appalachia
The Appalachian region is vulnerable to flash flooding due to the concentration and catching of rain. Experts predict an above-average number of storms for 2025, posing a significant threat to the area's safety.
When lightning strikes: Gamma-ray burst unleashed by lightning collision
Researchers from The University of Osaka observed a rare phenomenon where lightning discharges accelerated electrons to near light speed, producing a gamma-ray flash. This study contributes critical data to understanding the mechanism behind these intense radiation bursts and their potential role in shaping Earth's atmosphere.
AMS science preview: Heat stress and height, eclipse effects
Researchers have discovered that urban areas experience a greater difference in wet bulb globe temperature between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above ground due to surface heat radiation, posing health risks to children and pets during extreme heat events. Total solar eclipses also alter atmospheric conditions and insect behavior, with some species...
Vortex characteristics of a large-scale Ward-type tornado simulator at Central South University
The new simulator successfully reproduced the main characteristics of tornado-like vortices, including velocity and surface pressure fields. The results showed that fan speed had little effect on vortex structures, while swirl ratio significantly influenced them.
AMS report and statement: "America's economic leadership is at risk"
The American Meteorological Society warns that catastrophic cuts to federal science agencies like NOAA threaten the US weather enterprise, which supports public safety, private sector operations, and national security. A strong weather enterprise is essential for America's economic leadership.
Rare thunderstorm near the north pole: A sign of a warming arctic?
Scientists uncovered a rare thunderstorm near the North Pole, which came within 44 kilometers of the pole. The storm formed during an Arctic warming event and began at an altitude of 1.5 kilometers above the surface.
On Jupiter, it's mushballs all the way down
Planetary scientists confirmed that Jupiter's mushball hailstorms occur due to unmixing of ammonia and water in the upper atmosphere. The storms are accompanied by fierce lightning and can punch through shallow weather systems, challenging long-held assumptions about gas giant atmospheres.
New dust forecast system "iDust" helps renewable energy industry manage solar losses
Researchers have developed a new forecasting tool called iDust that offers significant benefits for solar energy production by predicting dust storms with higher accuracy. The system provides critical support for China's expanding solar energy projects in desert regions, minimizing disruptions and financial losses.
AMS science preview: Fire weather, bumpy hurricane flights, climate extremes and protests
Recent research highlights increased fire activity in the western US, with wildfires becoming less prone to calming down at night. Meanwhile, extreme turbulence on hurricane flights has led to a new 'bumpiness' metric. Climate extremes are also evident in shifting energy demands for heating and cooling in Chinese megacities.
What makes a 1-in-1000-year storm, really?
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis analyzed rainfall data and found that the July 2022 floods were not as exceptional as initially thought. The study suggests storms like this will become more frequent due to global warming, which is increasing the frequency of extreme precipitation events.
Soil conditions significantly increase rainfall in world’s megastorm hotspots
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.