Storm forecasting is traditionally based on studying atmospheric conditions but ground-breaking research that also looks at land surface conditions is set to transform early warning systems in tropical regions.
Storm forecasting is traditionally based on studying atmospheric conditions but ground-breaking research that also looks at land surface conditions is set to transform early warning systems in tropical regions. This will enable communities to better adapt to the destructive impacts of climate change.
The new study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has shown that a large contrast in soil moisture levels over a range of hundreds of kilometres results in atmospheric changes that increase rainfall area and amount in several megastorm hotspots globally. This increase ranges from 10 to 30% depending on the region and size of the storm.
The research focused on mesoscale convective systems, which bring severe flash flooding and mudslides in parts of Africa, Asia, Americas and Australia that collectively have a population of nearly four billion people (see recent examples, below).
These weather systems, which can be larger in size than England and travel hundreds of kilometres, bring intense storms that kill people and livestock, as well as destroying homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Read more at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Photo Credit: Alois_Wonaschuetz via Pixabay
