NOAA near-term weather forecasts get powerful boost from new computer model NOAA near-term weather forecasts get powerful boost from new computer model Research yields new tool to achieve a weather-ready nation Starting today, NOAA is using a sophisticated new weather forecast computer model to improve predictions of quickly developing severe weather events including thunderstorms, winter storms and aviation hazards such as clear air turbulence. Read more
Smoking out an air pollutant’s hot spots Smoking out an air pollutant’s hot spots New study identifies parts of the world with highest levels of isocyanic acid A smoke-related chemical, isocyanic acid, may be a significant air pollutant in some parts of the world, especially where forest fires and other forms of biomass burning are common. Read more
Methane from the sea Methane from the sea Researchers find elevated levels of the greenhouse gas above cracks in Arctic sea ice The potent greenhouse gas methane is seeping out of parts of the Arctic Ocean, and the discovery may represent another cycle contributing to climate warming in the region. Read more
When a tornado strikes a hospital When a tornado strikes a hospital NOAA investigates what makes hospitals vulnerable when severe weather strikes Because tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe storms can destroy hospitals as indiscriminately as anything in their path, NOAA is funding research to better understand what makes hospital buildings vulnerable. Read more
Public invited to virtually join NOAA exploration of the Gulf, live from the seafloor Public invited to virtually join NOAA exploration of the Gulf, live from the seafloor Exploration visits unexplored areas and gas seeps in northern Gulf of Mexico Through telepresence technology, satellite, and high-speed Internet pathways between ship and shore, scientists ashore view information from sensors and high-definition cameras as it is collected at sea. Read more
Students win chance to launch a NOAA global ocean drifter for Earth Day Students win chance to launch a NOAA global ocean drifter for Earth Day Students and scientists benefit from 21st-century 'message in a bottle' launches Middle and high school students in six cities across America have won the chance to deploy a NOAA global ocean drifter for Earth Day, earning the opportunity to launch a small 44-pound floating buoy into an ocean current. Read more
Atmospheric Rivers: What are they and how does NOAA study them? 11Jan2023 Read more You may have heard of atmospheric rivers in the news lately due to the intense rainfall and flooding along the U.S. West Coast. These naturally occurring air currents can bring both severe disruption and great benefit through the heavy rain and mountain snows that contribute to regional water supply. NOAA studies atmospheric rivers to improve forecasting capabilities as well as to improve our understanding of atmospheric river impacts on communities and the physical environment. Read more
One facility makes a big contribution to Salt Lake’s winter brown cloud 25Jan2023 Read more The 2.4 million people who live along Utah’s Wasatch Front experience some of the most severe winter particulate matter air pollution in the nation. Now, analysis of measurements taken during NOAA research flights in 2017 indicates that emissions from a single source, a magnesium refinery, may be responsible for a significant fraction of the fine particles that form the dense winter brown clouds that hang over Salt Lake City. Read more
When volcanoes roar: protecting the public and tracking long-term climate impacts 5Jan2023 Read more 2022 was a busy year for volcanic eruptions with Hawaii's Mauna Loa and Kilaeau erupting simultaneously, along with Mount Semeru, Indonesia and the Hunga undersea volcano in Tonga. While the United States Geological Survey is the primary agency that monitors volcanic activity in the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees safety systems for tsunamis and other volcano-related threats, as well as studies the impact of volcanic gasses on our global climate. Read more
Towering wildfire clouds have big impacts on the stratosphere 23Feb2023 Read more Smoke from wildfire-generated thunderstorms has greater impacts on the stratosphre, lasts longer and acts differently than scientists previously thought, a new research paper in the journal Science concludes. Read more
Low ice on the Great Lakes this winter 17Feb2023 Read more Ice coverage has reached a record low in the Great Lakes for this time of year. Read more