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Evaluation of tornadic environments and their trends and projected changes in Japan
Earth Sciencesnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science

Evaluation of tornadic environments and their trends and projected changes in Japan

S. Kawazoe, M. Inatsu, et al.

This intriguing study by Sho Kawazoe and colleagues explores the environmental conditions linked to tornadoes in Japan. Their findings uncover significant trends in tornado frequency and strength over four decades, alongside alarming projections of increased tornado environments due to climate warming. Discover how these insights can reshape our understanding of extreme weather patterns!... show more
Abstract
Tornadoes cause high-impact weather disasters in Japan, yet historical changes and future projections remain unclear. Using pseudo-soundings from high-resolution ERA5 reanalysis, the study evaluates environmental discriminators for F2+ tornadoes, including thermodynamic (CAPE, CIN, LCL, K-index), kinematic (BWD, SRH), and multivariate indices (EHI, KHI, STP). F2+ tornadoes occur with higher instability and helicity and are better distinguished by multivariate indices. Recent decades show significant regional increases in F2+ environments. A large-ensemble +2 K warming experiment indicates robust future increases in environments favorable for strong tornadoes, especially along the Sea of Japan and in Kanto. Despite projected decreases in BWD and increases in CIN, enhanced instability compensates, yielding more days with F2+ tornado potential.
Publisher
npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
Published On
Nov 28, 2023
Authors
Sho Kawazoe, Masaru Inatsu, Mikiko Fujita, Shiori Sugimoto, Yasuko Okada, Shingo Watanabe
Tags
tornadoesJapanenvironmental conditionsclimate warmingECMWF reanalysisatmospheric instabilityF2+ tornadoes
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