Toward an Improved Understanding of Rapid Transitions in Precipitation Extremes and Risk Assessment for the Midwest

The Midwest region regularly experiences precipitation extremes, both flood and drought. However, these extremes and their corresponding impacts are typically studied and communicated independently, without consideration of the compound impacts due to a rapid transition from one extreme to the other (this study will refer to this type of event as a rapid transition in extremes, or RTE). Currently, there exist tremendous knowledge gaps regarding (1) the risk RTEs pose to the Midwest, (2) the large-scale drivers of RTE events, and (3) how future climate change is expected to alter RTE frequency and risk. This project seeks to address these knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of RTEs, their causes, and the risk they pose to the Midwest.

Project Time Period: May 2020–August 2021

Results from this research study will be made available through this page and the Midwest DEWS email list.