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
Study: Reducing human-caused air pollution in North America & Europe brings surprise result: more hurricanes Study: Reducing human-caused air pollution in North America & Europe brings surprise result: more hurricanes Research also finds that increased pollution in Asia may reduce tropical cyclones A new NOAA study published today in the journal Science Advances about four decades of tropical cyclones reveals the surprising result that reducing particulate air pollution in Europe and North America has contributed to an increase in the number of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic basin and a decrease in the number of these storms in the Southern Hemisphere. The study also found that the growth of particulate pollution in Asia has contributed to fewer tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific basin. Read more
New video series explores environmental DNA New video series explores environmental DNA Have you ever wondered what animals might be present in a particular habitat or traveled through a certain area of the ocean? Scientists are able to use environmental DNA or “eDNA” sampling to help answer those questions. Read more
New study links Red tides and dead zones off West coast of Florida New study links Red tides and dead zones off West coast of Florida A new study found that when red tides began in early summer and continued into the fall, low oxygen areas—or dead zones— were more likely to also occur. Read more
Flash floods will increase across the United States, new research suggests Flash floods will increase across the United States, new research suggests New climate modeling research shows heavy rainfall events will cause more frequent and stronger flash floods by the end of the century, especially in the southwest and central United States. 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
Atlantic Ocean nations join pact to cooperate on marine science 13Jul2022 Read more The United States joined with leaders of six nations and the European Union today in Washington, D.C., to sign the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Declaration, in which the nations pledge to cooperate on ocean research for the environmental health and sustainable development of the Atlantic Ocean. Documents to download All-Atlantic Declaration (signed) 7.13.2022(.pdf, 912.44 KB) - 77 download(s) Read more