Changes in Tropical Cyclones Undergoing Extratropical Transition in a Warming Climate: Quasi‐Idealized Numerical Experiments of North Atlantic Landfalling Events

• Published in: Geophysical Research Letters
• Main Authors: Chunyong Jung, Gary M. Lackmann
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2023
• Subjects: extratropical transition; tropical cyclone; climate change; quasi‐idealized simulation; Geophysics. Cosmic physics; QC801-809; North Atlantic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101963; https://doaj.org/article/36fc062071754724be7737f8077b7652

Abstract The current study extends earlier work that demonstrated future extratropical transition (ET) events will feature greater intensity and heavier precipitation to specifically consider potential changes in the impacts of landfalling ET events in a warming climate. A quasi‐idealized modeling framework allows comparison of highly similar present‐day and future event simulations; the model initial conditions are based on observational composites, increasing representativeness of the results. The future composite ET event features substantially more impactful weather conditions in coastal areas, with heavier precipitation and greater storm intensity. Specifically, a Category 2 present‐day storm attained Category 4 Saffir‐Simpson intensity in the future simulation and maintained greater intensity throughout the entire life cycle, although the storm undergoes less reintensification during the post‐ET process, a result of reduced baroclinic conversion. These findings suggest increased potential for coastal hazards due to stronger tropical cyclone winds and heavier rainfall, leading to more severe coastal flooding and storm surge.