Dr. Russ Schumacher

Research Interests

Much of my research is aimed at understanding the weather systems that produce heavy rainfall and often lead to flash flooding. I use both observations and numerical models to investigate mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that produce extreme amounts of rainfall, with a focus on how they are initiated, organized, and maintained. Current research involves investigating the predictability of precipitation systems and the effects of tropical cyclones on midlatitude precipitation.  I am also interested in the societal impacts of weather, particularly the communication and interpretation of weather information.

Previous positions

• Advanced Study Program Postdoctoral Research Fellow, National Center for Atmospheric Research, 2008-2009
• Graduate Research Assistant, Colorado State University, 2001-2008

Recent Publications

• Schumacher, R.S., 2011: Ensemble-based analysis of factors leading to the development of a multi-day warm-season heavy rain event.  Monthly Weather Review, in press.
• Schumacher, R.S., T.J. Galarneau, Jr., and L.F. Bosart, 2011: Distant effects of a recurving tropical cyclone on rainfall production in a midlatitude convective system: A high-impact predecessor rain event.  Monthly Weather Review, 139, 650-667.
• Schumacher, R.S., D.M. Schultz, and J.A. Knox, 2010: Convective snowbands downstream of the Rocky Mountains in an environment with conditional, dry symmetric and inertial instabilities. Monthly Weather Review, 138, 4416-4438
• Schumacher, R.S., D.T. Lindsey, A.B. Schumacher, J. Braun, S.D. Miller, and J.L. Demuth, 2010: Multidisciplinary analysis of an unusual tornado: Meteorology, climatology, and the communication and interpretation of weather information. Weather and Forecasting, 25, 1412-1429.
• Galarneau, T.J., Jr., L.F. Bosart, and R.S. Schumacher, 2010: Predecessor rain events ahead of tropical cyclones.  Monthly Weather Review, 138, 3272-3297.
• Schumacher, R.S., and C.A. Davis, 2010: Ensemble-based forecast uncertainty analysis of diverse heavy rainfall events.  Weather and Forecasting, 25, 1103-1122.
• Schumacher, R.S., 2009: Mechanisms for quasi-stationary behavior in simulated heavy-
  rain-producing convective systems. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 66, 1543-1568.
• Schumacher, R.S., and R.H. Johnson, 2009: Quasi-stationary, extreme-rain-producing
  convective systems associated with midlevel cyclonic circulations. Weather and
  Forecasting, 24, 555-574.
• Schumacher, R.S., and R.H. Johnson. 2008. Mesoscale processes contributing to extreme rainfall in a midlatitude warm-season flash flood. Monthly Weather Review, 136, 3964-3986.
• Schumacher, R.S., and R.H. Johnson. 2006. Characteristics of U.S. extreme rain events during 1999-2003. Weather and Forecasting, 21:69-85.
• Schumacher, R.S., and R.H. Johnson. 2005. Organization and environmental properties of extreme-rain-producing mesoscale convecting systems. Monthly Weather Review, 133:961-976.

Submitted manuscripts

• Berner, J., and Coauthors (including R.S. Schumacher), 2010: Exploring the Weather-Climate Connection. Submitted to Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, February 2010.
• Evans, C., R.S. Schumacher, and T.J. Galarneau, Jr., 2010: Sensitivity in the overland reintensification of Tropical Cyclone Erin (2007) to near-surface soil moisture characteristics.  Submitted to Monthly Weather Review, July 2010.

Awards and Honors

• 2010 - National Science Foundation CAREER award
• 2007 - Second place student presentation, 22nd Conference on WAF/NWP
• 2005 - "Paper of Note," Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
• 2004 - Herbert Riehl Award, CSU (Outstanding paper by a graduate student)
• 2003 - Honorable Mention, National Science Foundation Graduate Student Fellowship
• 2001-2002 - American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellowship
• 2001 - Valparaiso University Student Affairs Leadership and Service Award
• 2001 - Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Student

Professional service

Associate Editor, Monthly Weather Review, 2010-2011.