Intense Periods of Rainfall Increasing Due to Global Warming: Atmospheric Rivers on the Rise

Atmospheric rivers, narrow bands of water vapor that form in the mid to high latitudes and can span several miles, have been making headlines in California due to their increasing impact on the state. These rivers transport water from tropical oceans toward the poles, causing heavy precipitation during landfall.

Recent events, such as the series of atmospheric rivers that hit California in January 2023, have resulted in widespread flooding, power outages, and landslides. Over 20 deaths were reported, and the damages amounted to billions of dollars.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, explains that climate change has amplified the intensity and frequency of these atmospheric rivers. Current estimates suggest that they now carry 5-15 percent more precipitation due to climate change.

Regions up and down the West Coast, particularly California, are at the forefront of these impacts, facing intense swings between drought and heavy precipitation. By 2100, the Pacific Northwest could experience such severe atmospheric rivers that would temporarily raise ocean levels up to three times higher, creating a significant flooding risk.

The Pineapple Express, an example of an atmospheric river that carries tropical moisture from Hawaii to the U.S West Coast, is another concern.

To mitigate the frequency of atmospheric rivers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential. Individuals can help by adopting personal sustainability practices, supporting policies that address climate change, advocating for investments in flood infrastructure, water management systems, and forecasting technologies, and educating others about the potential risks and factors.

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EarthTalk is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces this article. To donate to EarthTalk, visit their donation page. Institutions researching the impacts of climate change on the intensity and frequency of atmospheric circulation include the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, which leads projects on related oceanic and carbon storage processes, and international programs like OSNAP (Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program) that monitor Atlantic ocean circulation components critical for climate. Additionally, autonomous Argo floats collect global ocean measurements vital for understanding and modeling ocean and atmospheric circulation changes.

Atmospheric rivers carry immense amounts of water, up to 27 times the flow of the Mississippi River. As we continue to face the impacts of these powerful rivers, it's crucial to stay informed and take action to mitigate their effects.