What is ‘precipitation whiplash’? The new accelerating, climate change weather danger

California residents have experienced extreme weather conditions in recent decades, with severe droughts followed by heavy rains, leading to mudslides and wildfires. This rapid transition between wet and dry weather conditions is a hallmark of climate change, known as precipitation whiplashes. The forces driving these drastic swings between drought and floods are speeding up, with researchers predicting an increase in precipitation whiplashes as early as 2028. The Madden-Julian Oscillation, a mass of clouds, rainfall, winds, and air pressure, plays a significant role in global rainfall patterns and is impacted by warming from greenhouse gases. The MJO's cycle is expected to speed up, with a 40% increase in fast-propagating MJO events by the late 21st century, leading to more frequent and severe precipitation whiplashes. This can trigger disruptive weather fluctuations worldwide, including rapid swings between extremely wet and dry conditions. Certain areas, such as central Africa, the Middle East, and the East Coast of the United States, are expected to be hotspots for precipitation whiplash, posing unprecedented stress to ecosystem services, infrastructure, and human safety. The impacts of precipitation whiplash can be devastating, including droughts, mudslides, and wildfires, and can catch societies off guard unless adaptation measures are in place. To mitigate these effects, researchers need to improve forecast models to better understand and predict precipitation whiplashes, which could improve disaster preparedness and save lives. By considering the impacts of precipitation whiplash, communities can develop more effective infrastructure, urban planning, and agricultural practices to respond to these extreme weather events.