New research estimates the future emissions of potent greenhouse gases New research estimates the future emissions of potent greenhouse gases New research published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics projects future emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of potent greenhouse gasses, based on recent trends and compliance with current policies. The ability to observe trends of these compounds in the atmosphere is made possible by the long-term record of observations produced by the Halocarbons and other Atmospheric Trace Species (HATS) Division within NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory. Read more
Carbon dioxide now more than 50% higher than pre-industrial levels Carbon dioxide now more than 50% higher than pre-industrial levels Carbon dioxide measured at NOAA’s Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory peaked for 2022 at 421 parts per million in May, pushing the atmosphere further into territory not seen for millions of years, scientists from NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego announced today. Read more
New hurricane research supports advances to NOAA’s 2022 forecasts New hurricane research supports advances to NOAA’s 2022 forecasts This summer during the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) will once again be on the frontlines helping NOAA prepare the public for severe weather. They will also conduct new research on the complex processes of how tropical cyclones form, develop, and dissipate. Read more
Greenhouse gas pollution trapped 49% more heat in 2021 than in 1990, NOAA finds Greenhouse gas pollution trapped 49% more heat in 2021 than in 1990, NOAA finds The Annual Greenhouse Gas Index serves as a measure of global society's progress - or lack of progress - in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Read more
NOAA wind forecasts result in $150 million in energy savings every year NOAA wind forecasts result in $150 million in energy savings every year Accurate, high resolution weather forecasts equate to cost savings across many different industries, but it is not always clear exactly what those cost savings are. Read more
Evaporative demand increase across lower 48 states means less water supplies, drier vegetation, and higher fire risk Evaporative demand increase across lower 48 states means less water supplies, drier vegetation, and higher fire risk In the western U.S., the impacts of drought conditions in the 21st century are increasingly evident as extended fire seasons, dwindling water supplies, and widespread tree mortality are becoming more common occurrences. Read more
Path to recovery of ozone layer passes a significant milestone 24Aug2022 Read more An annual analysis of air samples collected at remote sites around the globe that is tracking a continued decline in the atmospheric concentration of ozone-depleting substances shows the threat to the ozone layer receding below a significant milestone in 2022, NOAA scientists have announced. Read more
NOAA and Saildrone launch seven hurricane-tracking surface drones 3Aug2022 Read more In partnership with NOAA, Saildrone Inc. is deploying seven ocean drones to collect data from hurricanes during the 2022 hurricane season with the goal of improving hurricane forecasting. For the first year, two saildrones will track hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico. Read more
Thirty years of progress in hurricane forecasting since Hurricane Andrew 22Aug2022 Read more Hurricane Andrew made landfall on August 24, 1992, near Homestead, Florida, becoming one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in U.S. history. It had an extremely low central pressure of 922 millibars and maximum sustained wind speeds estimated at 165 miles per hour. The storm rapidly intensified less than 36 hours before landfall, leaving most residents less than a day to secure their homes and heed evacuation orders. When NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) staff found themselves with a major hurricane on their doorstep, hurricane researchers urgently began working to aid forecasters at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC). Hurricane Andrew affected their families, and even destroyed one scientist’s home. Once the hurricane passed, our scientists went right back to work, using what they had learned and seen firsthand to improve our understanding of tropical cyclones. In the 30 years since Andrew, NOAA scientists, forecasters and partners have revolutionized hurricane forecasting to save lives and property. Read more
NOAA celebrates new Arctic observatory near Utqiaġvik 5Aug2022 Read more More than 50 years after NOAA commissioned the first Arctic atmospheric observatory in a temporary building at the northernmost point of the United States, NOAA leadership celebrated a new, expanded observatory and research facility worthy of the significance of its work. Read more
Study validates accuracy of NOAA’s smoke forecasting model during the Camp Fire 5Jul2022 Read more A research team led by scientists from the University of California Berkeley and NOAA found that HRRR-Smoke accurately predicted the intensification of smoke pollution from the Camp Fire. Read more