Mar 8th, 2007 · Pollution in central China has caused a steady decrease of rain in the mountains, according to new research. As an example, scientists say small particles from air pollution in the city of Xi'an are causing clouds to hold on to their moisture rather than dropping it on nearby Mt. Hua. On the haziest days, rainfall can be reduced by half.
Aug 24th, 2006 · Freshwater from the Arctic Ocean is pouring into the North Atlantic at record rates, scientists say. The latest figures show a virtual deluge, caused by rising rainfall and runoff from land, as well as melting sea ice and glaciers. Scientists are worried that the Atlantic currents that influence land climate could suddenly change as a result.
Apr 13th, 2006 · As Hawaii and Northern California struggle with unprecedented rainfall, Day to Day offers a musical interlude for rainy days -- "Didn't It Rain" by the late gospel legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Mar 2nd, 2006 · Climate change could create serious water shortages in Africa, according to a study being published online by Science magazine. Researchers in South Africa suggest that a relatively small decrease in rainfall can result in a dramatic reduction in the total length of streams and rivers throughout Africa.
Jan 20th, 2006 · Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has declared a state of emergency due to continued heavy rainfall. Oregonians are used to strong rain in the winter, but as Rob Manning of Oregon Public Broadcasting reports, it's been pouring for almost a month. More than half of the state's 36 counties have suffered flooding and dangerous mudslides.
Nov 1st, 2005 · El Salvador gets nearly six feet of rainfall each year, but clean water is in short supply. Contaminated water kills thousands there every year. But simple projects that build deep wells are beginning to succeed where expensive, modern water systems have failed.
Mar 1st, 2005 · Death Valley, Calif., is known as the lowest, hottest and driest place in the United States -- but this winter, the region and most of Southern California experienced record amounts of rainfall. NPR's Alex Chadwick discusses the desert's surprising weather, and gives a preview of an expanded report airing Wednesday.
Oct 9th, 2004 · Tropical Storm Jeanne's September onslaught left nearly 2,000 dead in Haitian mudslides. The root cause is a loss of forest land. Lack of foliage has led to water shortages and new desert, despite abundant rainfall. NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reports.