Articles

9–12 million—The approximate number of people in the United States who could be at risk of isolation because of rising sea levels by the end of the century under a scenario in which global sea levels increase 2 meters.

Researchers looked at reanalysis data and historical climate model simulations, as well as extreme value statistics—which can estimate the return periods of rare events—to determine the regions where record-breaking temperatures are most likely to occur next, or in the near future.

BAMS talked with Thomas Huang about the book Big Data Analytics in Earth, Atmospheric, and Ocean Sciences, of which he is the lead editor. The book explores new tools for the analysis and display of the rapidly increasing volume of data about the Earth and is part of the AGU Special Publications Series.

QUESTION: We know cities can influence air temperatures through the urban heat island effect, but do they impact the atmosphere in other ways?

The 1938 Hurricane, a rare and devastating event, struck Long Island and New England on September 21, 1938, causing over 685 fatalities and widespread damage. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on the storm's impact, including a forecast review, and explore how current forecasting capabilities could mitigate similar risks in the future.

With September historically being the busiest month for hurricanes in the tropical Atlantic, what lies ahead for the rest of this season? Dr. Ryan Truchelut of WeatherTiger explores the influence of El Niño and record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures on the upcoming months, as we approach the peak of hurricane activity.

Jana Houser, associate professor at The Ohio State University, and Robin Tanamachi, assistant professor at Purdue University, on how they came to collaborate to create a storm-chasing course. For more, listen to the Clear Skies Ahead podcast, with new episodes released every month.

PROBLEM: Predicting extreme river flooding has typically been based on whether that river has already flooded in the past. However, “[f]or this method to work, you have to wait for something bad to happen,” notes Stefano Basso of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research.

Road weather conditions significantly contribute to vehicle accidents and transportation delays, with more than one in five crashes in the US being weather-related. Observations from Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) stations and emerging technologies like connected vehicles and autonomous driving play a vital role in enhancing road safety and minimizing accidents by providing real-time data on road temperature, precipitation, and surface conditions.

Efforts are underway to collect real-event observations, like post-tornado surveys, to better understand human behavior during weather events. Organizations, including the National Severe Storms Laboratory and National Weather Service, are using standardized surveys and citizen science apps to gather data and improve insights into meteorological questions.

Tropical Storm Idalia is set to become a major hurricane before hitting Florida this week. Join Stephanie Zick from Virginia Tech to learn about the storm's impact and landfall predictions.

“TEMPO will be revolutionary.”
— Aaron Naeger of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, on the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution instrument, which was launched onboard a satellite in early April.

On May 17th, 2019, an unusual bimodal severe weather setup unfolded across the Central and Southern Plains. Focusing on the Nebraskan border near McCook, convergence, moisture, and instability combined to create a severe weather setup, leading to the formation of a picturesque white elephant trunk tornado. This tornado, rated EF-2, lasted around five minutes, causing damage but no injuries. My dedication to storm photography and reporting severe weather hazards demonstrates my commitment to both artistic passion and public safety communication.

As we navigate the midst of Atlantic hurricane season (June to November), being prepared for the potential hazards presented by these storms is crucial. Tropical cyclones, with their powerful winds, rainfall, and waves, can lead to disasters, and it might surprise you to learn that a significant portion of tropical cyclone fatalities occur post-storm. Over the past decade (2013-2022), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has identified the primary causes of weather and water-related deaths resulting from these cyclones, shedding light on the dangers associated with these natural phenomena.

“Wildfires are not just a consequence of climate change or global warming—they’re also an active participant.”
—Xin Huang of Nanjing University, coauthor of a recent study in Science that suggests large fires can create feedback loops that alter local weather and subsequently amplify the fires.

Matthew Cappucci—a meteorologist at MyRadar, The Washington Post, and Fox5DC—on the influence his teachers have had on his career and perspective. For more, listen to the Clear Skies Ahead podcast, with new episodes released every month.

Brian Golding discusses how the weather enterprise can collaborate to provide more effective warnings that are timely, culturally sensitive, and easily understandable amid the increasing occurrence of extreme weather in our changing climate. 

Hurricane Hilary triggered California's first-ever Tropical Storm Warning. Given the rare hazards for the U.S. Southwest associated with this storm, hurricane expert Kim Wood discusses the storm's impacts, its unusual nature, and what it means for the Pacific Coast to be facing a tropical storm.

On May 16th, 2021, while analyzing weather models, Jessica, a meteorologist, travel writer, and professional photographer, spotted the potential for an isolated supercell in the Texas Panhandle. Though not guaranteed, the allure of capturing a serene storm drew her in. As daylight faded, she managed to photograph a stunning low precipitation supercell illuminated by golden hour light, a moment that reaffirmed her purpose and left her awestruck by nature's beauty.

10%–30%—The amount that California’s solar power production during peak hours decreased following wildfires in the state in September 2020, due to smoke darkening the sky.

In this webinar, a panel of lightning safety advocates from around the world discuss their perspectives on lightning safety. Learn more about how those in the weather and climate enterprise are working to reduce lightning casualties around the world.

Ashley Orehek-Rossi, a STEM librarian at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on some of the steps she takes in helping students with research projects. For more, listen to the Clear Skies Ahead podcast, with new episodes released every month.

3.3 trillion tons—The amount of ice lost from the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE) in West Antarctica over the 25-year period of 1996–2021, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications.