Robust increases in severe thunderstorm environments in response to greenhouse forcing

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1307758110
• Publication Date: 2013-09-24T05:25:39Z
• Authors: Noah S. Diffenbaugh; Martin Scherer; Robert J. Trapp
• Keywords: Forcing (mathematics); Severe weather; Convective storm detection

Significance Severe thunderstorms are one of the primary causes catastrophic loss in United States. However, response such storms to elevated greenhouse forcing has remained highly uncertain. We use an ensemble global climate model experiments probe severe thunderstorm response. find that this exhibits robust increases occurrence environments over eastern In addition, simulated changes atmospheric environment indicate increase number days supportive spectrum convective hazards, with suggestion a possible tornadic storms. Given current vulnerabilities, imply increasing risk thunderstorm-related damage if warming continues.