Extreme Weather

The GPM core observatory satellite had an extremely good view of tropical storm John on August 6, 2017 at 1:08 AM MDT (0708 UTC). The satellite passed right over John's center of circulation. GPM's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments provided excellent coverage of precipitation associated with tropical storm John. GPM showed that the large tropical cyclone was becoming well organized and had intense rainfall within feeder bands that were spiraling toward John's center. GPM's radar (DPR Ku Band) revealed that a band of powerful storms northeast of

Tropical storm Hector was forming in the eastern Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico when the GPM core observatory satellite passed over on July 31, 2018 at 1:40 PM PDT (2040 UTC). Hector's maximum sustained winds at that time were estimated to be about 30 kts (34.5 mph). Powerful convective storms were wrapping around the western side of the deepening tropical low's center of circulation. GPM's Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instrument collected data showing that rain in some of these storms was falling at a rate of almost 198 mm (7.8 inches) per hour. The GPM satellite's radar data

A stalled weather pattern led to persistent showers and thunderstorms moving up the eastern seaboard last week, resulting in significant rainfall amounts and numerous flood warnings. A nearly stationary elongated upper-level trough of low pressure stretching down from the Great Lakes to Florida combined with a persistent Bermuda High off the coast to channel a steady flow of warm, humid air up the eastern seaboard. The result was a week of re-occurring showers and thunderstorms across the region. The Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM or IMERG is used to estimate precipitation from

7/27/18 Having both deepened in central pressure and broadened in precipitation shield, Jongdari is steadily intensifying as it churns towards the southern coast of Japan. In this overflight, the storm has deep convection both near the eye itself and scattered throughout its outer bands, and its maximum sustained winds are approaching 90 knots. It is expected to further intensify over the next 24 hours, reaching Category 3 status before weakening slightly prior to making landfall south of Nagoya. Jongdari will bring heavy rains and strong winds to a heavily-populated region, including the

Flood watches and warnings have been issued today for states from North Carolina through New York. Major flooding of rivers and streams is forecast in Pennsylvania as heavy rainfall continues. A Large blocking high located east of Nova Scotia and Low Pressure over the upper mid west has been funneling moisture over the Mid-Atlantic states. This weather pattern includes a strong upper level trough with it’s axis becoming oriented from the Great Lakes through the eastern Gulf Of Mexico. This resulted in a dip in the jet stream that has been transporting tremendous amounts of moisture from the

Tropical storm AMPIL was moving toward the northwest with winds of about 50 kts (57.5 mph) when the GPM core observatory satellite flew above on July 20, 2018 at 0656 UTC. Data received by the satellite's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments were used in this analysis of AMPIL's precipitation. GMI and DPR showed that the northern side of the tropical storm was nearly dry and that rain bands in that area were producing only light to moderate rainfall. Moderate to heavy precipitation was found by GPM in a rain band wrapping around the southern side of

India's southwest monsoon (summer rainy season) normally occurs between June and September. This year's monsoon has been assessed as average but India's Meteorological Department statistics show that daily mean rainfall for the country has recently been above normal. At least 15 people were killed by floods and landslides in India on Wednesday July 11, 2018. So far this year, close to 200 deaths may have resulted from India's heavy monsoon rainfall. These estimates of rainfall accumulation were constructed using data from NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG). Algorithms

After striking the Ryukyu Islands of Japan and grazing Taiwan with torrential rains, Typhoon Maria made landfall just north of the populous city of Fuzhou, China with sustained winds of 95 knots and a broad shield of precipitation. The storm appears lopsided in the GMI, with much of the deep convection offshore, however, it is still likely to bring a brief period of flooding rains to this part of China before dissipating. View fullscreen in STORM Event Viewer

On the morning of 7/9/18 the GPM Core Observatory satellite flew over powerful Typhoon Maria, observing a donut-shaped eyewall that is somewhat disconnected from the rest of the storm. Maria is likely to impact southern Ryukyu Islands before making landfall in Eastern China in the next couple days.

The image above shows estimates of accumulated rainfall using IMERG (Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM) data formed during the period from June 28-July 6, 2018. Typhoon PRAPIROON developed in the northwest pacific Ocean east-northeast of the Philippines on June 28, 2018. PRAPIROON became a typhoon on July 2nd as it approached the Korea Strait between Japan and Korea. Stormy weather had already produced heavy rainfall in Korea and Japan before typhoon PRAPIROON moved through the area. IMERG estimates indicated that PRAPIROON and other stormy weather dumped over 512 mm (20.2 inches)