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In recent years, the effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Recent examples include Hurricane Helene, which devastated the southeastern United States, and torrential rains that hit Nepal. Both of these events are linked to a meteorological phenomenon known as “Atmospheric Rivers” (ARs), which play an increasingly crucial role in a rapidly warming climate.
Atmospheric rivers are moisture corridors that transport enormous amounts of water vapor, fueling high-intensity climate events. Although these are not new phenomena, global warming is accentuating both their power and frequency, especially in particularly vulnerable regions. The simultaneity of extreme events such as those in the United States and Nepal is a clear sign of how climate change is modifying the behavior of ARs, making them more intense and unpredictable.
The Gulf of Mexico is a prime example of an area that has seen a significant increase in moisture uptake by these atmospheric rivers. This region acts as a reservoir, providing moisture that is transported into the interior of the continent, where it causes heavy rainfall and floods. Global warming has increased the atmosphere’s capacity to hold water vapor, making these atmospheric rivers increasingly rich and potentially devastating.
Globally, there is an increase in anomalous humidity and the frequency of atmospheric rivers reaching land. Maps representing these phenomena show how different areas, from the west coast of the United States to southern Asia, are increasingly affected by extreme precipitation. The impact on these regions is significant, causing considerable flooding and environmental damage.
In a context of global warming, monitoring ARs and understanding their evolution become fundamental to mitigate future risks. Analyzing events such as Hurricane Helene and the rainfall in Nepal can provide insights into how to adapt to a future in which these phenomena become increasingly intense and frequent.
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