The pilots chasing 'sky rivers' and cyclones from Japan to the US

In the western United States, atmospheric rivers are powerful storms that can cause significant flooding and damage, costing over $1 billion annually. To better understand these storms and improve safety measures, storm-hunting planes are flying from Japan to the US. One early morning in February, Captain Nate Wordal, a pilot with the US Air Force, took off from Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. After navigating through some turbulence from Mount Fuji, he headed towards the vast Pacific Ocean to investigate an atmospheric river forming off Japan's coast. Atmospheric rivers are essentially invisible streams of water vapor in the atmosphere. When they reach land, they can cool and transform into rain or snow, leading to potential flooding. However, these 'sky rivers' also play a crucial role in providing water, especially in California, where they help prevent droughts. These storms typically occur during the winter months, which means that for pilots like Captain Wordal, there is a busy schedule following the summer hurricane season. He explained, 'Our main mission during the year is hurricane hunting,' where they fly through hurricanes to collect real-time weather data. Now, they have added a new mission focused on atmospheric rivers, which runs from November to March. This year marked the first time that some flights began in Japan, in addition to those from Hawaii and the US West Coast, to gather data on these storms early in their journey. Anna Wilson, an extreme weather specialist, noted that having accurate information about storms further west allows for better predictions of how much rain or snow they will bring when they make landfall. The flights are part of a project called AR Recon, a collaboration between various organizations, including the Air Force and NOAA. The missions have expanded in scope as atmospheric rivers have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. In the western US, these storms are responsible for significant damage, and their intensity is increasing as warmer air holds more moisture. However, advancements in forecasting and preparation are also improving, thanks to the data collected from these flights. The pilots fly through the atmospheric rivers multiple times to gather essential data about the storms. They drop cylindrical instruments known as dropsondes that measure the storm's conditions as they descend. Additionally, the flights deploy ocean buoys that monitor waves and water temperature, contributing to a NOAA-run project. This data is crucial for enhancing forecasts and providing communities with more time to prepare for incoming storms. The information gathered from the flights can lead to more accurate warnings and help local authorities decide how to manage water resources effectively. Until this year, the flights primarily measured atmospheric rivers after they reached the coast. With the new flights from Japan, the goal is to extend accurate forecasts by a few more days, allowing people more time to prepare. Captain Wordal stated, 'Our goal is to maybe try and get an eight-day forecast improved. ' The pilots must remain alert during their long flights, which can last over 10 hours. They work closely with navigators and weather officers to ensure a safe and efficient flight while collecting vital data. The nature of these flights differs from hurricane hunting, where pilots fly directly into the storm. Instead, they conduct extensive flights across the Pacific Ocean to gather information on atmospheric rivers. As these storms approach the US West Coast, they can become more aggressive, making landings more challenging. The pilots must stay focused to ensure everyone's safety and to collect all necessary data. The impact of the flights from Japan is still being analyzed, but experts believe they will significantly improve forecasts for the US West Coast. In previous years, flights from Hawaii successfully predicted storms several days in advance, allowing communities to prepare and mitigate damage. While atmospheric rivers can be destructive, they also replenish California's reservoirs and help prevent droughts. As the season changes, Captain Wordal is preparing to transition back to hurricane hunting. He remarked, 'End of this month is when the hurricane season starts.