IARC2026 Program Brings the Global Atmospheric River Community to Porto
Registration is now open for the 6th International Atmospheric Rivers Conference (IARC2026), taking place October 19–23, 2026, in Porto, Portugal. Remote registration is also available for those unable to attend in person.
Marking a major milestone, the International Atmospheric Rivers Conference (IARC) will bring its global community to Europe for the first time. IARC is a biennial conference connecting scientists, forecasters, engineers, water and resource managers, and other stakeholders working to better understand and predict atmospheric rivers and their impacts around the world.
Hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, IARC2026 will explore the breadth of atmospheric river research and its applications. Topics span observations and physical processes, forecasting and prediction, water resources and climate extremes, compound events, the cryosphere and ocean, ecosystems and biodiversity, and societal impacts.
Selected from nearly 200 abstract submissions, the program includes 80 regular talks, 36 lightning talks, and 72 poster presentations, along with six keynotes, breakout sessions, and a dedicated Science-Stakeholder discussion forum. Stay tuned to the IARC2026 website, which will announce keynotes in the coming weeks.
A central focus of IARC2026 is strengthening connections between atmospheric river science and stakeholder needs. Dedicated discussions will bring scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers together to explore how advances in atmospheric river research can support improved forecasting, preparedness, adaptation, and decision-making.
The conference will also continue IARC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of atmospheric river researchers through student and early-career participation via financial support, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Celebrating 10 Years of IARC
CW3E established the first International Atmospheric Rivers Conference in 2016 to foster collaboration across the rapidly growing international atmospheric river community. Since then, IARC has brought together researchers and practitioners at conferences in La Jolla, USA (2016, 2018, and 2024), virtually (2020), and Santiago, Chile (2022).
IARC2026 represents the next step in that evolution, expanding the conference’s geographic reach while maintaining its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and connecting atmospheric river science with operational needs.
CW3E continues to play a central role in the strategic development and continuity of the IARC conference series, leading the IARC Steering Committee and an international Conference Implementation Committee.
Join IARC2026 in Porto or Online
IARC2026 will be held October 19–23, 2026, at the Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto, Portugal. Registration for in-person and virtual attendance is open through October 10, 2026.
- Abstract submission: February 1–May 20, 2026 (closed)
- Registration deadline: October 10, 2026
- Conference: October 19–23, 2026