A study has introduced a new intensity scale for atmospheric rivers, analogous to hurricanes, to classify these weather events based on their duration and moisture content. Conducted over 40 years of global data, this research helps identify hotspots for the most intense atmospheric rivers (AR-5 being the highest) and can greatly aid meteorologists and city planners in predicting their impacts. Atmospheric rivers, long narrow bands of water vapor increasingly intensified by climate change, significantly affect weather patterns, as seen in California and Pakistan, where they can cause flooding and substantial damage. The intensity scale ranges from AR-1 to AR-5, allowing for better situational awareness; weaker systems can provide beneficial rainfall, while stronger atmospheric rivers pose more risks. The study revealed that severe atmospheric rivers are rare but more likely to affect coastal areas, especially during strong El Niño years. The researchers aim for broader adoption of the intensity scale worldwide, enhancing communication about atmospheric river threats and enabling better preparation strategies against potential impacts. This initiative marks a critical step toward understanding how these events affect different regions globally. The study was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.
