Tag Climate
Meet Wisconsin’s new state climatologist, Steve Vavrus
Vavrus is an expert on global climate change, extreme weather and Wisconsin climate.
Grad students work with climatologist on tool to alert communities to dangerous heat levels
In practice, the new warning system could help policymakers make decisions for how their population can stay healthy during extreme heat.
Melting ice caps may not shut down ocean current
Building upon previous work, researchers are revising their understanding of the relationship between Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and freshwater from melting polar ice.
Why cities around Wisconsin are feeling the heat
While Wisconsin may be known for its “frozen tundra,” an increase in hot, humid summer days is bringing attention to Wisconsin’s urban heat islands and their impact on human health.
Kutzbach’s role in climate science ‘expansive and foundational’
John Kutzbach, an emeritus professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, died Jan. 29. His contributions “helped all of us better understand important aspects of our universe — in particular, those of the Earth’s climate system."
New weather ‘normals’ show how Madison’s climate has changed over 40 years
The National Weather Service’s new 30-year averages will show an extra 2.5 inches of precipitation, less early winter snowfall, and warmer summer nights have all become normal.
Human migration out of Africa may have followed monsoons in the Middle East
A new study provides evidence that summer monsoons from Asia and Africa may have reached into the Middle East for periods of time going back at least 125,000 years, providing suitable corridors for human migration.
Study suggests trees are crucial to the future of our cities
According to a new UW–Madison study, the right amount of tree cover can lower summer daytime temperatures in a city by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
As climate heats up, rising rainfall averages hide crop-killing droughts
Research performed in the Ethiopian highlands shows that even in years with above average rainfall, crops can be severely reduced by drought early in the growing season, when seeds must sprout and get established.
With fire, warming and drought, Yellowstone forests could be grassland by mid-century
“It’s terrifying in some ways,” says Monica Turner, who has been researching in Yellowstone for decades. “We are not talking many years away. Today’s college students will be mid-career. It feels like the future is coming at us fast.”
UW research instrument returns from 22,000-mile seaward journey
A lab known as SPARCLET, traveled for two months to aid in a study aimed at better understanding how pollutants and turbulent conditions over the Philippine Sea affect the region and influence global weather.
NOAA plan to improve weather forecasting includes UW–Madison
Neil Jacobs, assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), visited Madison to gather input and lay out a vision to improve U.S. weather forecasts to better meet the needs of society.
Space Science and Engineering Center welcomes UW alum to director position
Brad Pierce received his Ph.D. and master of science in meteorology from UW–Madison and is a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the UW campus.
Fahey, Chazen, Thomas-Greenfield to receive honorary degrees
Honorary doctorates recognize individuals with careers of extraordinary accomplishment, with sustained and uncommonly meritorious activity reflecting UW–Madison values.
Producer, actress Lena Waithe speaks, meets with students
Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, producer, and actress Lena Waithe met with students and gave a speech at Union South Tuesday night. She was featured as a Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecturer, and keynote speaker for Black History Month.
Increased vegetation boosts rainfall in the Sahel, researchers find
The large semiarid region of Africa just south of the Sahara routinely experiences pronounced droughts that can last decades, threatening food security in the area.
Division of Student Life names Javier director of Multicultural Student Center, announces new hires
Gabe Javier, an assistant dean who has served as interim director of the Multicultural Student Center for more than a year, will become the center’s director Aug. 1. His selection is one of several staffing decisions announced by the Division of Student Life.
Scientists converge to study ozone, an atmospheric mystery near Lake Michigan
Researchers want to help improve models to better predict when ozone events will occur and thus, protect health.
30-year collaboration earns UW climatologist China’s top science honor
University of Wisconsin–Madison climatologist John Kutzbach has been awarded China’s highest scientific honor for foreigners in recognition of 30 years of collaboration that has advanced both American and Chinese climate science.
Citizen observations help inform Arboretum’s annual account of spring
Both official and unofficial observations curated by UW–Madison Arboretum staff suggest that the mild winter of 2017 is leading to earlier spring activity in some plants and animals.