Journal of Atmospheric Science Research

Hydrological Assessment of the “Madar 22” Weather Event: Implications for Water Resources Management in Saudi Arabia

Yousry Mattar — 2025-07-17

A rare and intense tropical weather event, named “Madar 22” affected large areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries during July and August 2022. This study aims to assess the hydrological impacts of the event on both surface and groundwater resources, and its implications for water resources management in the Kingdom. Also, one of the specific objectives of the present study is to estimate both runoff and potential groundwater recharge coefficients during “Madar 22” weather event across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Utilizing rainfall data from the MEWA hydrological network and ArcGIS-based spatial analysis, the event was found to deliver extreme precipitation equivalent to a 10-year return period for a 3-hour storm. The event generated a total rainfall volume of 20.6 billion cubic meters, of which 1.058 billion cubic meters was estimated as surface runoff. This led to the harvesting of 294 million cubic meters in 189 dam reservoirs and recharged an estimated 239 million cubic meters of groundwater, as indicated by water table rises in 65 shallow wells. The present study concluded that the mean precipitation depth recorded in August 2022 is substantially higher than the long-term monthly average, illustrating a clear trend toward intensified late-summer rainfall. The findings of the present study show critical implications for renewable water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions. They emphasize the need to integrate extreme weather events into flood risk assessments, dam operation protocols, and groundwater recharge strategies to enhance national climate resilience.

Study of Atmospheric Variables using Low-Cost Stratospheric Balloon-Borne Missions

Rupnath Sikdar — 2025-07-18

A better understanding of atmospheric dynamics and improvement of regional weather and climate models require accurate measurement and analysis of atmospheric variables such as temperature, pressure, and wind velocity across altitudes. In this study, we present such results from a series of high-altitude balloon missions conducted by the Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP). These missions, in which balloons reach up to altitudes of ~42 km, provide high-resolution vertical profiles of atmospheric parameters over the Indian subcontinent, a region where such data are sparse. We analyze the payload's vertical ascent rates, horizontal displacements, and variations in some atmospheric parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and wind velocity with altitude. Wind velocity components—zonal (east-west) and meridional (north-south)—are also examined, with particular emphasis on their seasonal variability due to subtropical jet streams during pre- and post-monsoon periods. Our analysis reveals significant seasonal variation in wind patterns at stratospheric heights. We obtain clear indications that the atypical wind behaviors observed in 2019 may be linked to anomalies in monsoonal rainfall patterns. These results contribute valuable insights into upper atmospheric dynamics over the Indian region and also highlight the importance of balloon-borne observations in refining regional atmospheric models.

Role of Mid-Level Vortex in the Genesis of Tropical Cyclone over the North Indian Ocean Using WRF Model

A.H.M. Fazla Rabbi — 2025-07-21

The formation of a tropical cyclone (TC) involves complex dynamic and thermodynamic processes. Understanding the role of mid-level vortices in the genesis of TCs over the NIO is crucial for improving TC forecasting. This study aims to enhance the field of meteorology by providing insights into these genesis processes. We utilized the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) FNL reanalysis 1x1 degree data as input for the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 4.0.3. The model was configured with one-way nesting between the parent and child domains. For the simulations, we employed the Kain-Fritsch (new Eta) scheme and the WRF Single-Moment 6-class graupel scheme (WSM6) as options for cumulus and microphysics. Our study identified the development of top-down vortices over the Arabian Sea (AS) and bottom-up vortices over the Bay of Bengal (BOB). We found that area-averaged mid-level relative vorticity (MRV) below 8 × 10⁻⁵ s⁻¹ over a 6 × 6-degree area does not support the formation of TCs. Also, changes in mid-level temperature, whether increases or decreases, corresponded with the behaviour of MRV. Low-pressure systems (LPS) where vertical wind shear (VWS) did not exceed 10 ms⁻¹ were prone to evolve into TCs. We also found that an increase in MRV, accompanied by VWS exceeding 10 ms⁻¹, hindered the development of the mid-level vortex. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between geopotential height (GPH) and MRV, which favoured TC formation. The trends in MRV calculated by our model were comparable to those found by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Therefore, the results of this study are both valid and significant.

A Mathematical Model for Fluxes Associated with Airflow over Northeast Region of India

Prasanta Das — 2025-07-17

An attempt has been made to study the horizontal momentum flux and vertical energy flux associated with baroclinic airflow over northeast region of India. The northeast region of India features two prominent orographic barriers: the Assam-Burma Hills (ABH) and the Khasi-Jaintia Hills (KJH). This paper presents a three-dimensional (3-D) model for mountain waves, applied to calculate momentum flux (MF) and energy flux (EF) associated with airflow over the Assam-Burma Hills (ABH) and Khasi-Jaintia Hills (KJH) in northeast India. We investigate the impact of the Assam-Burma Hills (ABH) and Khasi-Jaintia Hills (KJH) on momentum flux and energy flux associated with vertically propagating internal gravity waves, considering a realistic airflow with height-dependent wind and stability profiles. The model employs a comprehensive set of assumptions, including a three-dimensional (3D) laminar flow regime, inviscid fluid behavior, adiabatic conditions, and the Boussinesq approximation, all within the context of a non-rotating moist airflow environment. The simulation yields detailed results for the energy flux along the vertical z-axis, as well as the two horizontal components of momentum flux along the x-axis and y-axis. These results have been thoroughly evaluated and subsequently compared with the findings of earlier researchers in the field, facilitating a robust validation of the model's performance.