Topic: National Center for Atmospheric Research

All Content

Hey, what happened to winter? What its wimpiness portends for spring.

Despite a few powerful snowstorms, the winter of 2011-12, with record-breaking temperatures and less precipitation than normal, has been the fourth warmest on record in the US. What gives?
Climate change warning: brace for hotter heat waves, stronger storms

A new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that such events are likely to occur if greenhouse-gas emissions continue unabated.
Prototype of next-generation weather satellite: Can it go to work fast enough?

After cost overruns and years of delay, the US is set to launch a prototype weather satellite before dawn Friday. Its data are badly needed as the number of Earth-observing satellites dwindle.
Climate study, funded in part by conservative group, confirms global warming

The latest global warming results confirm those from earlier, independent studies by scientists at NASA and elsewhere that came under fire from skeptics in an episode known as 'climategate.'
Extent of Arctic summer sea ice at record low level

New data indicates the continuation of a long-term decline in summer ice underway since at least 1979. Researchers say roughly half the decline can be attributed to global warming.
Why airplanes make it rain or snow

Aircraft create more rain near airports by punching holes in the clouds, effectively seeding the clouds, according to a new study of the phenomenon.
Weather is costly – up to $243 billion a year

Weather can boost or depress the US economy, a new study finds. And that's just everyday weather, not counting tornadoes and other devastating events.
Oklahoma, Alabama, Joplin: Why we're seeing so many tornadoes and superstorms

The superfunnels that hit Tuscaloosa, Ala., in late April and Joplin, Mo., on Sunday, are generated by storm systems whose journeys across the country are slowed by a roadblocked jet stream.
Winter storm raises the question: What's going on with the weather?

This week's winter storm – and others before it – are being influenced by climate patterns in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Scientists are working to understand how these patterns work.
Do pre-winter snowstorms signal a harsh winter?

Tuesday marks the first day of winter, but many people in the United States and Europe have already seen a preview. Can we expect a snowy winter?
Polar bear 'doomed'? Only if greenhouse-gas emissions aren't cut.

Greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide must be cut to avoid a disappearance of summer sea ice in the Arctic, which is crucial to the polar bear.
Global weather: 2010 in running to be warmest year on record

If November and December temperatures stay relatively warm, 2010 could capture the record for warmest year, an early analysis shows. This year has also been marked by extreme weather events.
Moses' parting of the Red Sea: Is there a physical explanation?

A new paper suggests that an area near the Red Sea area could have had favorable characteristics for 'wind setdown' some 3,000 years ago.
Russia fires caused by global warming? Maybe not, say scientists.

The Kremlin's top meteorologist said that Russia's recent spate of extreme weather and wildfires 'are signs of global warming.' That's not quite right, say climate scientists.
At height of hurricane season, research teams take on storms

The research projects are aimed at giving forecasters more tools for improving storm forecasts. The peak of the hurricane season is between now and the end of October.
Temperatures hit record highs globally. El Nino or global warming?

The first half of 2010 was the hottest six-month period recorded globally with temperatures around the globe 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit above averages.
Storm chasers complete largest-ever tornado study

Storm chasers have wrapped up the most dangerous stage of a comprehensive study on how tornadoes form.
Hurricane Alex wreaking havoc on BP Gulf oil spill

Hurricane Alex has pushed oil from the BP Gulf oil spill spill onto Gulf coast beaches, with some tar balls as large as apples.
First life on Earth was protected by a thick haze

The results help solve a longstanding mystery called the faint young sun paradox.
BP oil spill could spread to Atlantic Ocean

A computer model suggests that the spreading BP oil spill could travel around the Florida peninsula and enter the Atlantic Ocean.
March and April warmest ever. Humans must adapt, report says.

The past two months were the warmest March and April on record globally. A new report suggests that communities will need to be adaptable to meet the challenges of global warming.
Powerful Laser Makes Raindrops Out of Thin Air

A new laser technology may be able to produce rain on demand.
The chase is on: scientists launch largest-ever study of tornadoes

In launching Vortex2, researchers hope to better understand how tornadoes work.
Is it time to overhaul the IPCC?

Climate scientists debate whether the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should be tweaked, overhauled, or scrapped.
Why has global warming paused? Water vapor may be in the answer.

A decline in stratospheric water vapor between 2000 and 2009 followed an apparent increase between 1980 and 2000, a team of scientists has found. That finding may have implications for global warming.