Research Flights Over the Atlantic Aim to Boost Atmospheric River Forecasts

International collaboration launches in January to study moisture‑laden weather systems

Atmospheric rivers—narrow corridors of concentrated water vapor that can unleash heavy rain and flooding—have become a focal point for climate scientists worldwide. The West Coast of the United States, for example, has recently endured several devastating events linked to these “rivers in the sky.”

Starting in January, a coordinated fleet of research aircraft will fly across the Atlantic Ocean to gather high‑resolution data on the formation, structure, and evolution of these moisture streams. The mission, spearheaded by agencies such as NASA, the European Copernicus program, and national meteorological services, will deploy instruments capable of measuring humidity, wind speed, temperature, and aerosol content at multiple altitudes.

By sampling the atmosphere from the oceanic source regions to the point where the rivers make landfall, scientists hope to improve numerical weather‑prediction models and provide earlier, more accurate warnings for communities at risk. The data will also feed into long‑term climate studies, helping researchers assess how atmospheric river frequency and intensity may shift under a warming climate.

“Understanding the physical processes that drive these extreme moisture transports is essential for protecting lives and infrastructure,” said Dr. Elena Martínez, lead researcher for the project. “The Atlantic flights give us a unique laboratory to observe the rivers in their early stages, before they hit the coast.”

The initiative underscores a growing recognition that international cooperation is vital for tackling weather extremes that do not respect national borders. As the first aircraft lift off in early January, the scientific community will be watching closely for the insights that could transform forecasting and disaster preparedness worldwide.