The research coming out of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) in 2023 ranged from fascinating to impactful. From La Niñas and El Niños to supercomputers named after wind and the impacts of literal wind, here are the highlights of NSF NCAR’s top science stories from the past year.

Destructive winds that flow out of thunderstorms in the central United States are becoming far more widespread with warming temperatures.

The reappearance of a dormant lake was only the first challenge faced by an Earth Observing Laboratory field study. Researchers persevered to relocate the project and collect data that may lead to more accurate forecasting of severe weather events like tornadoes.

Scientists have identified two different modes of hurricane rapid intensification. The findings may lead to better understanding and prediction of these dangerous events.

NCAR has been awarded NSF funding to research links between new road transportation technologies and the changing climate.