What is an atmospheric river? With millions of people under flood alerts, a hydrologist explains these storms and how they’re changing

These giant rivers in the sky are also essential for the Western U.S. water supply. Their rain and snowfall is expected to become more intense as the planet warms.

Qian Cao, Hydrologist, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Jan. 30, 2024 • ~8 min

What is an atmospheric river? A hydrologist explains the good and bad of these flood-prone storms and how they’re changing

These giant rivers in the sky are bringing more intense rainfall as the planet warms.

Qian Cao, Hydrologist, Center For Western Weather and Water Extremes, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Jan. 30, 2024 • ~7 min

Ice storms, January downpours, heavy snow, no snow: Diagnosing ‘warming winter syndrome’

As the climate changes and weather warms, the freezing line is shifting, bringing rain and ice to regions not prepared for it.

Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
Jan. 25, 2024 • ~8 min

Britain is at bursting point and its flood barriers need to be updated

As the sea rises and storms get stronger, movable flood barriers are going to be used more often.

Ivan Haigh, Lecturer in Coastal Oceanography, University of Southampton • conversation
Jan. 23, 2024 • ~7 min

Blizzards are inescapable − but the most expensive winter storm damage is largely preventable

Costs quickly rise when things go wrong with roads, roofs and power lines. Many of those risks are also avoidable.

Michel Bruneau, Professor of Engineering, University at Buffalo • conversation
Jan. 11, 2024 • ~8 min

2023's billion-dollar disasters list shattered the US record with 28 big weather and climate disasters amid Earth's hottest year on record

An atmospheric scientist explains how rising temperatures are helping to fuel extreme storms, floods, droughts and devastating wildfires.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Jan. 9, 2024 • ~8 min

2023's extreme storms, heat and wildfires broke records – a scientist explains how global warming fuels climate disasters

The US saw a record number of billion-dollar disasters in 2023, even when accounting for inflation. The number of long-running heat waves like the Southwest experienced is also rising.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Dec. 19, 2023 • ~9 min

The climate crisis is making gender inequality in developing coastal communities worse

Sea-level rises and storm surges don’t discriminate, but societal structures do.

Andi Misbahul Pratiwi, PhD Candidate, School of Geography, University of Leeds • conversation
Nov. 3, 2023 • ~7 min

Why Storm Ciarán's winds were so strong

Storm Ciarán unleashed extremely strong and destructive winds in parts of the southern UK and northern France – here’s why.

Ambrogio Volonté, Senior Research Fellow, University of Reading • conversation
Nov. 3, 2023 • ~6 min

Storm Ciarán is breaking records and research suggests more severe weather in future

Storm Ciarán is the UK’s third named winter storm since September.

Hayley J. Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts, Newcastle University • conversation
Nov. 2, 2023 • ~6 min

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