A Dusty Atmospheric River Brings Floods to the Middle East

Torrential rainfall and rapid snowmelt in April 2017 caused deadly floods northwestern Iran. An atmospheric river (AR), propagating across the Middle East North Africa, was found responsible for this extreme event. The triggered by precipitation warm advection associated with AR. Total satellite-based moderately below normal, suggesting that a heavy flood can happen during dry years. AR fed moisture from Mediterranean Red Seas. Despite its adverse societal consequences, event beneficial to recovery of desiccating Lake Urmia. impacts were not limited flooding; it also facilitated dust transport region. This distinct characteristic ARs is attributed major mineral sources located along their pathways. reasonably predicted at 7-day lead time, crucially important successful early warning systems.