5th International Atmospheric Rivers Conference

The International Atmospheric Rivers Conference (IARC) is a biennial convening that brings together a global, interdisciplinary community of scientists, forecasters, engineers, and resource managers to advance the understanding, monitoring, and prediction of atmospheric rivers (ARs) and their impacts across various domains, including water management, extreme climate events, and socio-economic resilience. A central goal of IARC is to strengthen connections between scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers to ensure that cutting-edge research informs real-world applications. Through focused sessions and collaborative discussions, the conference supports the development and dissemination of improved tools for monitoring and forecasting ARs. Additionally, the conference is committed to training and supporting the next generation of AR scientists by promoting student participation through scholarships and creating opportunities for mentorship and professional development.

The first IARC was created and hosted by CW3E in 2016 to foster connections across the burgeoning international community of people interested in the AR subject. CW3E continues to organize and support the conferences in partnership with the IARC Steering Committee, which includes researchers from CW3E (USA), University of Chile, CIIMAR (Portugal), and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), as well as guidance from the global Implementation Committee. Previously held in La Jolla, USA (2016, 2018, 2024), Santiago, Chile (2022), and virtually (2020), IARC26 is co-organized by CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (University of Porto), and will be hosted for the first time in Europe in Porto, Portugal.

IARC26 will celebrate 10 years of the IARC conferences and will have a special focus on strengthening the connection between atmospheric river science and stakeholder needs, the impacts of ARs on society and the environment (including in compound events), their role in water extremes and management, and their influence on ocean processes and biodiversity

Synopsis: The 2026 International Atmospheric Rivers Conference (IARC26) will convene on 19 October 2024 at the beautiful Alfandega Congress Center in Porto, Portugal. Four full days of poster and oral presentations will cover global regional perspectives on atmospheric river science including associated and parallel processes. IARC26 will have a special focus on strengthening the connection between atmospheric river science and stakeholder needs, the impacts of ARs on society and the environment (including in compound events), their role in water extremes and management, and their influence on ocean processes and biodiversity. The five-day event will also include a reception and poster session at CIIMAR, the Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research), as well as a reception at a local winery.

Format: The 2026 International Atmospheric Rivers Conference will have in person and virtual participation options. Oral presentations will include regular length (~15 minutes) and lightning (2-3 minutes) options. Poster sessions, panel discussions, and breakout groups will also be convened.

Location: EDIFÍCIO DA ALFÂNDEGA, R. Nova da Alfândega, 4050-430 Porto, Portugal

Guidance on registration, student scholarships, abstract submission will be available in early 2026.

Since 2016, IARC has served as a valuable forum for collaboration across scientific disciplines, regions, and sectors to address the global impacts of atmospheric rivers. Learn more about the origins of IARC and past conferences on the IARC website.