In recent years, broadcast meteorologists and the media have begun using the term polar vortex to describe some instances of unseasonable temperatures and storms across the United States during the winter months. The polar vortex is a regular seasonal occurrence, and disruptions to it can cause both milder- and colder…

An atmospheric river (AR) consists of a long band of water vapor moving through the atmosphere, typically resulting in heavy precipitation over land (Figure 1). Improved AR observations and understanding (especially of large ARs) may facilitate flood preparedness and response and water supply management. This is espec…

Hazardous weather and climate events kill hundreds of people and cause billions of dollars of property damage in the United States each year. In 2024, for instance, the United States experienced 27 weather and climate disasters each exceeding $1 billion of total costs, for an estimated cumulative cost of $182.7 billio…