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Atmosphere
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Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene
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Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Meteorology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 4238

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Flavio T. Couto

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Guest Editor
Instituto de Ciências da Terra—ICT (Polo de Évora), Universidade de Évora, Rua Romão Ramalho, 59, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
Interests: fire weather and wildfires modelling; heavy orographic precipitation; mineral dust mobilization and transport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Stergios Kartsios

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Guest Editor
Department of Meteorology and Climatology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: pyro-meteorology; coupled atmosphere-fire models; numerical weather prediction; extreme weather events; convective-permitting climate models; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ioannis Pytharoulis

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Guest Editor
Department of Meteorology and Climatology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: synoptic and dynamic meteorology; numerical weather prediction; operational weather forecasting; land/sea–air interaction; extreme weather events; pyro-meteorology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well recognised that climate changes are altering the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide. These events play an important role in Earth systems having a devastating impact on society and the environment. Overall, understanding the dynamics behind these episodes is crucial for developing strategies to improve disaster preparedness and response, as well as mitigating their impacts on communities and ecosystems. Atmosphere is dedicating this Special Issue to publishing the latest studies in the context of extreme weather events as they relate to climate and weather variability.

The main topics to be presented in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Flood, droughts, cold spells, heatwaves and climate studies;
  • Severe weather: hailstorms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall and lightning;
  • Polar lows, medicanes, tropical cyclones and torrential rains;
  • Extreme wildfires, smoke aerosol emission, transport and impacts on atmosphere and air quality.
  • Use of remote sensing and Earth observations (EOs) for studying extreme events;
  • Modelling and forecasting extreme events;
  • Impact of extreme weather on society and early warning systems.

We encourage contributions which present innovative research, reviews and case studies examining all aspects of extreme weather events, from observation to numerical modelling results that are useful for understanding these events.

Dr. Flavio T. Couto
Dr. Stergios Kartsios
Dr. Ioannis Pytharoulis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • extreme weather
  • wildfires
  • storms
  • floods
  • droughts
  • hurricanes

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 4153 KiB  
Article
Cluster Analysis and Atmospheric Circulation Features of Springtime Compound Dry-Hot Events in the Pearl River Basin
by Ruixin Duan, Feng Wang, Jiannan Zhang and Xiong Zhou
Atmosphere 2025, 16(5), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16050516 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 36
Abstract
Compound dry–hot events refer to climate phenomena where drought and high temperatures occur simultaneously. Compared to single extreme events, compound dry–hot events may have greater adverse impacts. This study uses high-spatial-resolution observational data (i.e., temperature, precipitation, and climate water balance) to cluster and [...] Read more.
Compound dry–hot events refer to climate phenomena where drought and high temperatures occur simultaneously. Compared to single extreme events, compound dry–hot events may have greater adverse impacts. This study uses high-spatial-resolution observational data (i.e., temperature, precipitation, and climate water balance) to cluster and identify spring compound dry–hot events in the Pearl River Basin over the past nearly 50 years. It further investigates the associated large-scale atmospheric circulation conditions during compound dry–hot events. Using three clustering methods and twenty-six evaluation criteria, six events are identified. These events primarily exhibit negative anomalies in precipitation and climate water balance and positive anomalies in temperature. The spatial distribution results show that moisture deficits during compound events are mainly concentrated in the eastern Pearl River Basin, especially in the Pearl River Delta region. An atmospheric circulation analysis indicates that spring compound dry–hot events in the Pearl River Basin are commonly accompanied by persistent abnormal high-pressure systems, relatively weak westerly transport from subtropical regions such as the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal (20–25 °N), and limited moisture input from the western Pacific region. The results of this study can help to better understand and analyze the risk changes of extreme events in the context of global warming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene)
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18 pages, 515 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Direct Economic Value of Typhoon Forecasting for Taiwan’s Agriculture—A Case Study on Farmers’ Decision-Making Behavior
by Chin-Wen Yang and Che-Wei Chang
Atmosphere 2025, 16(4), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16040355 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 348
Abstract
In recent years, extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe, making it crucial to apply meteorological and climate information services to mitigate the associated losses. However, given limited resources, it is essential to assess the potential value these services can generate [...] Read more.
In recent years, extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe, making it crucial to apply meteorological and climate information services to mitigate the associated losses. However, given limited resources, it is essential to assess the potential value these services can generate while considering uncertainties. Since the impact of disasters and weather prediction accuracy is uncertain, and end-users’ decisions of disaster prevention, resource allocation, and operational planning are costly, the expected returns of acting according to weather forecasting information need to outweigh the cost to make decision-makers act. This study evaluates the direct economic value of meteorological information services for agricultural disaster prevention, with a focus on typhoon preparedness, using the cost-loss model. The results show that the current annual economic value of these services is NTD 77.28 million. Significant benefits can be gained by increasing the proportion of avoidable losses and improving forecast accuracy. A 10% increase in the proportion of avoidable losses, possibly due to the application of innovative technology and the extension of leading time, results in an 8% rise in economic value, while a 50% increase leads to a 38% increase. Moreover, enhancing the forecast accuracy, which is currently at 73.18%, by an additional 50% could boost economic value by up to 34%. From a practical perspective, unless agricultural output is completely protected from weather events (such as indoor horticultural crops), the potential for reducing avoidable losses remains limited. Consequently, the findings underscore the importance of government efforts to promote the establishment of additional weather observation stations in order to improve forecast accuracy, boost farmers’ confidence of application from public meteorological information services, and maximize the impact of meteorological services in reducing agricultural losses and enhancing disaster preparedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene)
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11 pages, 7412 KiB  
Article
Paradigm Shift in Typhoon Forecasting for the Korean Peninsula: A Case Study on the Applicability of the Typhoon-Ready System
by Hana Na and Woo-Sik Jung
Atmosphere 2025, 16(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16010077 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 664
Abstract
Climate change has significantly increased multi-hazard disasters caused by typhoons, exposing the limitations of conventional forecasting systems that often neglect regional socio-economic vulnerabilities. This study develops and validates the Typhoon-Ready System (TRS) as an effective disaster-management framework for the Korean Peninsula. The TRS [...] Read more.
Climate change has significantly increased multi-hazard disasters caused by typhoons, exposing the limitations of conventional forecasting systems that often neglect regional socio-economic vulnerabilities. This study develops and validates the Typhoon-Ready System (TRS) as an effective disaster-management framework for the Korean Peninsula. The TRS integrates hazard data with socio-economic and environmental vulnerability factors to produce region-specific risk indices. The analysis of four representative typhoons—Lingling (2019), Rusa (2002), Maemi (2003), and Mitak (2019)—demonstrates TRS’s applicability in identifying high-risk zones and supporting disaster preparedness strategies. The TRS framework incorporates indices, such as the Strong Wind Index (SWI), Heavy Rainfall Index (HRI), Storm Surge Index (SSI), and Air Quality Index (AQI), effectively combining meteorological modeling with vulnerability analysis. Results demonstrate that the TRS outperforms traditional systems by accurately identifying high-risk zones and correlating them with observed damage patterns. For example, the TRS successfully pinpointed high wind risks in Seoul and Incheon during Typhoon Lingling and forecasted severe flooding in Gangneung and Samcheok during Typhoon Rusa. By integrating vulnerability factors, including population density, infrastructure aging, and urbanization levels, the TRS provides a more holistic and accurate risk assessment. This research highlights the necessity of a multi-dimensional forecasting approach for enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience against climate change-induced typhoon impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene)
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24 pages, 5694 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Lower Atmospheric Ducts in the Arctic via Long-Term Numerical Simulations
by Jinyue Wang, Xiaofeng Zhao, Jing Zou, Pinglv Yang, Bo Wang, Shuai Yang, Zhijin Qiu, Zhiqian Li, Tong Hu and Miaomiao Song
Atmosphere 2025, 16(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16010011 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 576
Abstract
In this study, a diagnostic model for lower atmospheric ducts was developed using the polar weather research and forecasting model. A five-year simulation was then conducted across the entire Arctic region to investigate the temporal and spatial characteristics of lower atmospheric ducts. The [...] Read more.
In this study, a diagnostic model for lower atmospheric ducts was developed using the polar weather research and forecasting model. A five-year simulation was then conducted across the entire Arctic region to investigate the temporal and spatial characteristics of lower atmospheric ducts. The model demonstrated excellent performance in simulating modified atmospheric refractivity, with root mean square errors ranging from 0 M to 5 M. The five-year simulation results revealed that duct occurrence rates across the Arctic region were all below 1% and exhibited a negative relationship with latitude. Regarding the difference between surface ducts and elevated ducts, a higher frequency of surface ducts was detected in the Arctic region. The height and thickness of surface ducts were generally lower than those of elevated ducts, but the strength of surface ducts was slightly greater. Regionally, surface ducts mainly occurred in the land areas surrounding the Arctic Ocean, while more elevated ducts were found in the North Atlantic Sea area. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the polar vortex indices and the characteristics of ducts, particularly for surface ducts. The ducts in Greenland were notably influenced by polar vortex activity, whereas the ducts in other regions, such as the Norwegian Sea and Kara Sea, were less affected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene)
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21 pages, 24451 KiB  
Article
A Quick Look at the Atmospheric Circulation Leading to Extreme Weather Phenomena on a Continental Scale
by Flavio Tiago Couto, Stergios Kartsios, Matthieu Lacroix and Hugo Nunes Andrade
Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101205 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1679
Abstract
The study delves into the primary large-scale atmospheric features contributing to extreme weather events across Europe during early September 2023. The period was examined using a dataset composed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analysis and satellite imagery. In early [...] Read more.
The study delves into the primary large-scale atmospheric features contributing to extreme weather events across Europe during early September 2023. The period was examined using a dataset composed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analysis and satellite imagery. In early September 2023, an omega blocking pattern led to the development of a low-pressure system over the Iberian Peninsula producing heavy precipitation and flooding over Spain and acting as a mechanism for a mineral dust outbreak. A second low-pressure system developed over Greece. Extreme precipitation was recorded across Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria as the system gradually shifted southward over the Mediterranean. The system earned the name “Storm Daniel” as it acquired subtropical characteristics. It caused floods over Libya and its associated circulation favoured the transport of mineral dust over Northern Egypt as it moved eastward. Meanwhile, the high-pressure blocking system associated with the omega pattern induced heatwave temperatures in countries further north. This period was compared with the large-scale circulation observed in mid-September 2020, when severe weather also affected the Mediterranean region. However, the weather systems were not directly connected by the large-scale circulation, as shown in September 2023. Although mesoscale conditions are relevant to formation and intensification of some atmospheric phenomena, the establishment of an omega blocking pattern in early September 2023 showed how large-scale atmospheric dynamics can produce abnormal weather conditions on a continental scale over several days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Understanding Extreme Weather Events in the Anthropocene)
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