Weather
Articles tagged with Weather
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Scientists uncover how mid-latitude westerlies contribute moisture to Asian water towers
Researchers identify a 'vertical conveyor' mechanism that transports moisture from the mid-latitudes to the Asian Water Towers through a process of nocturnal decoupling. This process integrates up to 30% of westerlies-advected moisture into the local cycle without precipitation, sustaining near-surface moisture accumulation.
Predicting typhoon intensity using ocean surface temperatures
Venus’ atmosphere jumps and waves
Researchers reconstruct path and intensity of China's Guangzhou 'April 27' tornado using multi-source data
Baltimore emergency rooms see spike in asthma-related cases after night heat waves
New research from Johns Hopkins University finds that nighttime temperature swings are key predictors of asthma-related ER cases. The study suggests that updating Code Red alerts to include nighttime temperatures could help protect vulnerable communities.
AI falls short in predicting weather extremes
Researchers from UNIGE and KIT found that traditional numerical models remain more reliable for predicting extreme phenomena than AI-based forecasts. The study highlights the limitations of AI weather models in extrapolating beyond their training domain, making them less effective for record-breaking events.
New study shows why rainfall remains hard to predict in a warming world
A new study reveals that climate models are less confident in predicting regional rainfall patterns due to uncertainties in large-scale wind patterns. This limits confidence in forecasts of floods and droughts, particularly in regions vulnerable to these events.
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.
Better weather forecasts and climate models could come from new desert-dust research
A UCLA-led study reveals that airborne desert dust traps about twice as much heat as previously estimated, leading to improved climate and weather models. This increase in precision will help forecasters predict regional temperature shifts, rainfall patterns, and atmospheric motions.
When the rain comes, some New York City subway riders stay home. Scientists are now mapping exactly who, and where
A new NYU study analyzes hourly ridership at 10 major NYC subway stations between 2023 and 2025. Heavy rain affects peak hour travel, while extreme cold has a smaller impact, especially off-peak. The research highlights the importance of considering infrastructure, station design, and surrounding land use in transit planning.
Warmer winters and snow drought may threaten western U.S. water by speeding flows, study finds
A new study finds that warmer winters will lead to faster water transit times in the western United States, negatively impacting summer water levels and quality. The research focuses on the Naches River basin, where snowpack declines have already resulted in earlier spring discharges.
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.
Rivers in the sky are driving stronger and more predictable floods new study finds
Researchers found that atmospheric rivers and well-organized atmospheric systems can produce significantly heavier rainfall while also creating clearer signals in the atmosphere. This understanding could improve early warnings for extreme events and sharpen forecasting tools globally.
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 ...
New AI agent could transform how scientists study weather and climate
Researchers developed Zephyrus, an AI agent capable of analyzing and answering questions in natural language about weather and climate data. The agent can handle language-based queries, translating them into code and generating plain language answers.
How does snow gather on a roof?
Researchers developed a model to calculate snow accumulation on roofs, considering snowflake size and distribution. Larger snow particles lead to greater accumulation, while higher wind speeds reduce depth. The study provides insights for building codes and guidelines for snow loading.
Typhoons: the hidden lifeline in a drying world
Researchers found that removing typhoon-induced precipitation leads to sharply declining soil moisture and more severe drought conditions worldwide. The effect of typhoons varies by region, acting as a condition that exacerbates drought in some areas, while mitigating it in others.
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...
The invisible hand of climate change: How extreme heat dictates who is born
A new study reveals that exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy significantly alters the human sex ratio at birth, leading to fewer male births. In sub-Saharan Africa, this is driven by biological factors, while in India, it is influenced by cultural practices and behavioral changes.
Heat and pregnancy
The article discusses current evidence on risks of ambient heat to pregnant women, including hot weather and occupational exposures. Effective strategies for managing heat-related risks are also highlighted as critical for maintaining maternal health.
New Aegean index unlocks breakthrough in Mediterranean seasonal rainfall forecasting
A new study reveals that heat uptake fluctuations in the Aegean Sea during August predict Eastern Mediterranean winter rainfall. The Aegean Sea Heat Uptake Anomaly (AQA) index captures year-to-year rainfall variability and improves seasonal forecasting skill.
Rising simultaneous wildfire risk compromises international firefighting efforts
Scientists warn that synchronised extreme fire weather, characterized by warm and dry conditions, has increased worldwide since 1979, straining international firefighting cooperation. The number of high-risk days with simultaneous fires is more than doubling, making wildfires harder to tackle and increasing air quality issues.
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.
UK winters becoming wetter due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
A study by Newcastle University found that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter, with a 7% increase in rainfall per degree of global warming, driven by rising temperatures from anthropogenic warming. The experts warn that this trend will continue to worsen, increasing the risk of flooding and economic damages.
Half of the world’s coral reefs suffered major bleaching during the 2014–2017 global heatwave
A recent study led by Smithsonian researchers found that half of the world's coral reefs suffered significant damage due to a global marine heatwave between 2014 and 2017. The analysis also showed that an even more severe event is unfolding now, with 50% of coral reefs experiencing significant damage.
An unusual dust storm on Mars reveals how the red planet lost some of its water
A new study from Tohoku University and other international researchers has found that an anomalous dust storm on Mars can drive the transport of water to the upper layers of the atmosphere, leading to significant water loss. This discovery opens a new path for understanding how Mars lost much of its water over time.
Forest soils increasingly extract methane from atmosphere
Researchers at the University of Göttingen found that forest soils in south-western Germany absorb more methane as climate conditions become drier and warmer. This contradicts current international meta-analyses, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring for assessing the effects of climate change.
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.
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...
£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.
Nagoya University ISEE Award recognizes typhoon research that transformed storm intensity forecasting worldwide
The Nagoya University ISEE Award has recognized Professor Hiroyuki Yamada's pioneering work on high-altitude penetration flight observation techniques for typhoons. His research enabled scientists to observe the complete vertical structure of typhoons, providing unprecedented data on storm intensity.
AMS Science Preview: Volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
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.
Rapid changes in meteorological conditions govern how plants influence climate and air quality
A new study reveals that plant gas emissions are triggered by rapid changes in weather, not just dry conditions. The research shows that vegetation responds immediately to shifts in humidity and temperature, changing the rate of emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) into the air.
Over half of global coastal settlements are retreating inland due to intensifying climate risks
Over half of global coastal settlements have retreated from the coast over the past 30 years in response to intensifying climate hazards. Coastal regions in Africa and Oceania lead the retreat, while poorer regions often expand shoreline settlements due to economic needs.
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.
Lightning-prediction tool could help protect the planes of the future
A new physics-based approach predicts how lightning strikes aircraft, identifying vulnerable regions for protection. The tool can be applied to any shape of aircraft, including unconventional designs.
UNF partners with Korey Stringer Institute and Perry Weather to open heat exercise laboratory on campus
The University of North Florida is opening a state-of-the-art heat exercise laboratory in collaboration with the Korey Stringer Institute and Perry Weather. The lab will support research, education, advocacy, and consultation to prevent exertional heat stroke and optimize safety for athletes, military, and laborers.
GAN-based solar radiation forecast optimization for satellite communication networks
A novel AI optimization model called GAN-Solar has been developed to address the technical bottleneck of accurate short-term solar forecasting. The model achieves significant improvements on key metrics compared to existing advanced models, producing high-definition forecasts that capture crucial details.
Unveiling the impact of compound drought and wildfire events on PM2.5 air pollution in the era of climate change
Researchers found a strong link between compound droughts and wildfires in California, leading to increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The study shows that severe droughts can substantially raise wildfire risk, with PM2.5 levels increasing by 9.5·m³ under extreme conditions.
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.
Dancing dust devils trace raging winds on Mars
Scientists have tracked 1039 dust devils to reveal how they lift dust into the air and sweep around Mars' surface. The study found wind speeds of up to 44 m/s, faster than previously measured with rovers on the ground, and improved our understanding of Martian weather patterns.
Panama Canal may face frequent extreme water lows in coming decades
A new study found that historic droughts could become common for Gatún Lake, the main source of water for the Panama Canal locks. The study projects that water levels will decrease and increase evaporation under high-emissions scenarios.
U of A researchers reveal the importance of data choice in effective flood insurance
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that selecting the right data for flood insurance can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and predictability. The type of data used affects not only payout timing but also confidence in anticipating future payouts, influencing program costs.
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.
Weather-health alert system is a success, but colour-coded confusion still remains, says new research
The UK's new weather-health alert system has been deemed successful in supporting vulnerable groups, but minor confusion remains around its color-coded warnings. Researchers identified areas for improvement, including clearer yellow alert scales and simplified alerts for rapid use on the ground.
Submerging forearms in water may help protect older adults during extreme heat
A new study from Penn State researchers found that submerging hands and forearms in room-temperature tap water can effectively cool older adults and reduce their heart rate during extreme heat. The study demonstrated a reduction in core body temperature by about half a degree Fahrenheit, which may help prevent heat-related illnesses.
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.
Hot days make for icy weather, Philippine study finds
A new Philippine study reveals that the country's hottest days are more likely to produce hail, contradicting its typical balmy climate. The research used satellite and radar data to confirm the presence of strong updrafts and favorable conditions for hailstorms during hot periods.
High Mountain Asia’s shrinking glaciers linked to monsoon changes
Research from the University of Utah and Virginia Tech reveals that seasonal shifts in rainfall and snowfall patterns are exacerbating glacier melting across the region. Glaciers in Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya, and Eastern Himalaya are especially vulnerable to accelerated ice loss and water availability threats.
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 volcanic eruptions push rainfall across the equator
Researchers at Princeton University found that major tropical eruptions create distinct flooding patterns depending on plume location and dispersal. The patterns mostly divide along the line of the equator, with increased rainfall in the tropics in one hemisphere and decreased flooding.
Moisture changes the rules of atmospheric traffic jams
New research from Purdue University reveals how moisture influences atmospheric blocking, a phenomenon that often drives heat waves, droughts, cold outbreaks and floods. The study introduces a new mechanism showing that moisture-induced diabatic heating strengthens ridge blocks but weakens dipole blocks.
Threats of weather disasters for drug manufacturing facilities in the US
Climate-related disasters pose significant disruptions to US drug manufacturing facilities, affecting nearly two-thirds of production sites. Researchers assessed the impact of disaster events on counties with US drug production facilities and found that nearly two-thirds were located in areas affected by at least one disaster declaration.