Research Projects

Location: Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Arizona

Duration: 2025 - Present

Project Overview

I am currently leading the analysis of summer extreme precipitation events over the Phoenix metropolitan region, integrating observational data with high-resolution WRF simulations to understand the physical drivers of these events. This work aims to provide actionable insights for urban flood risk assessment and climate adaptation planning, supporting data-informed decision-making in rapidly growing metropolitan areas.

Key Research Questions

• What are the physical drivers of summer extreme precipitation events in the Phoenix metropolitan area?
• How do urban land use changes influence the intensity and frequency of these extreme events?
• What are the implications for urban flood risk assessment and climate adaptation planning?
• How can WRF simulations be optimized to better represent monsoon precipitation extremes?

Focus: Assessing climate change impacts on extreme weather events and urban resilience

Key Contributions

• Lead analysis of flood-producing storms and frontal systems using CMIP6 climate projections; assess future urban flood risk
• Contributed to convection-permitting 4 km climate projections over North America (WRF); validated historical & mid-century simulations
• Co-developed a novel drought severity index for Food–Energy–Water Nexus project
• Conducted global temperature record analyses to evaluate climate thresholds (1.5°C / 2°C)

Outputs & Presentations

• 3 manuscripts in preparation
• 2 presentations at AGU/AMS conferences

Focus: Development of early warning systems for extreme weather events in Himalayan regions

Key Contributions

• Designed and contributed to implementation of prototype warning system for high-impact events in Beas basin
• Modeled extreme cloudburst events over the Himalayas using advanced numerical techniques
• Delivered project outcomes at stakeholders' meetings and international conferences

Publication: Cloudburst modeling results in Theoretical and Applied Climatology

Duration: 2015 - 2021

Research Focus

Investigating how rapid urbanization affects local weather patterns and climate in Indian cities, with emphasis on:

• Urban Heat Island (UHI) intensity and spatial patterns
• Land use/land cover change impacts on local meteorology
• Modifications to Thunderstorm patterns
• Numerical modeling of urban-atmosphere interactions

Methodology

Study Area: Khordha District, Odisha, India

Published Paper: View Publication

Objectives

• Multi-criteria evaluation of agricultural land suitability
• Spatial analysis of climate, soil, and topographic parameters
• Crop-specific suitability mapping using GIS techniques
• Decision support for agricultural planning

Methodology & Tools

Integrated GIS analysis combining multiple data layers including climate normals, soil properties, elevation, slope, and existing land use patterns.