Climate change is making flooding worse: 3 reasons the world is seeing more record-breaking deluges

Yellowstone’s destructive flooding was a taste of the risks ahead in a warming world, and it’s just one example.

Frances Davenport, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
July 5, 2022 ~8 min

Smell of desert rainstorms may have health benefits

The smell of the desert after a rainstorm could be good for your health thanks to plants releasing oils and chemicals that cut stress, researchers report.

Mikayla Mace-Arizona • futurity
June 23, 2022 ~7 min


What do tornadoes look like on the inside?

You can’t photograph the inside of a twister, but radar offers some clues.

Jana Houser, Associate Professor of Geography, Ohio University • conversation
May 2, 2022 ~4 min

Climate change is upping hurricane rainfall totals

"...environmental changes caused by humans are signaling more and quicker rainfall, which have direct consequences for coastal communities...”

Gregory Filiano-Stony Brook • futurity
April 22, 2022 ~7 min

‘Flash droughts’ work fast to devastate crops

Flash droughts don't last long, but can be disastrous. A new study shows they're more frequent and coming on faster, likely due to climate change.

Monica Kortsha-UT Austin • futurity
April 20, 2022 ~5 min

What's the record for how long it's ever rained without stopping?

Extended periods of rain are most likely found in locations where mountains are near oceans.

Joe Boomgard-Zagrodnik, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University • conversation
Dec. 20, 2021 ~6 min

Plastic, plastic everywhere - airborne microplastics are settling into the most remote corners of the globe

Researchers are uncovering how microplastic particles are carried in wind, rain and snow to remote regions of our planet.

Xiaoyu Duan, PhD Researcher in Biology, University of Southern Denmark • conversation
Oct. 20, 2021 ~5 min

Monsoons make deserts bloom in the US Southwest, but climate change is making these summer rainfalls more extreme and erratic

Monsoons are weather patterns that bring thunderstorms and heavy rains to hot, dry areas when warm, moist ocean air moves inland. They’re challenging to forecast, especially in a changing climate.

Christopher L. Castro, Professor of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona • conversation
Oct. 1, 2021 ~9 min


Why has the UK's wet summer been bad for bees?

Bees were struggling in the UK’s very wet summer as rain stopped them finding food.

Philip Donkersley, Senior Research Associate in Entomology, Lancaster University • conversation
Sept. 7, 2021 ~7 min

A subway flood expert explains what needs to be done to stop underground station deluges

Images of water gushing into subway stations filled social media following heavy rain in New York City. Solutions are at hands – but it takes money and political will, an expert explains.

Klaus Hans Jacob, Professor of Geophysics, Columbia University • conversation
Sept. 2, 2021 ~8 min

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