Spatial and temporal variability of precipitation in Serbia for the period 1961–2010

Monthly, seasonal and annual sums of precipitation in Serbia were analysed in this paper for the period 1961–2010. Latitude, longitude and altitude of 421 precipitation stations and terrain features in their close environment (slope and aspect of terrain within a radius of 10 km around the station) were used to develop a regression model on which spatial distribution of precipitation was calculated. The spatial distribution of annual, June (maximum values for almost all of the stations) and February (minimum values for almost all of the stations) precipitation is presented. Annual precipitation amounts ranged from 500 to 600 mm to over 1100 mm. June precipitation ranged from 60 to 140 mm and February precipitation from 30 to 100 mm. The validation results expressed as root mean square error (RMSE) for monthly sums ranged from 3.9 mm in October (7.5% of the average precipitation for this month) to 6.2 mm in April (10.4%). For seasonal sums, RMSE ranged from 10.4 mm during autumn (6.1% of the average precipitation for this season) to 20.5 mm during winter (13.4%). On the annual scale, RMSE was 68 mm (9.5% of the average amount of precipitation). We further analysed precipitation trends using Sen’s estimation, while the Mann-Kendall test was used for testing the statistical significance of the trends. For most parts of Serbia, the mean annual precipitation trends fell between −5 and +5 and +5 and +15 mm/decade. June precipitation trends were mainly between −8 and +8 mm/decade. February precipitation trends generally ranged from −3 to +3 mm/decade.

     

Climatological responses of winter precipitation in Turkey to variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation during the period 1930–2001

Summary Climatological responses of winter (DJFM) precipitation at 78 stations of Turkey to variability of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) were investigated for the period 1930–2001. The analysis was performed with respect to relationships between precipitation and three different NAO indices (NAOIs) and composite precipitation changes corresponding to the extreme phases of the NAOIs, and individual wet conditions and drought events linked to the extreme NAOI events. Main conclusions of the study can be evaluated as follows:(a) The Ponta Delgada–Reykjavik (PD–R) NAOI is superior among the three NAOIs compared, followed by the Lisbon–Stykkisholmur/Reykjavik NAOI, with regards to its ability to control year-to-year variability in winter precipitation series and composite precipitation conditions corresponding to the extreme NAOI phases in Turkey. (b) Variability of winter precipitation at most stations in Turkey is significantly correlated with variability of the three NAOIs. Negative relationships are stronger over the Marmara, the Mediterranean Transition and the Continental Central Anatolia regions, and the Aegean part of the Mediterranean region. (c) Composite precipitation analysis exhibited an apparent opposite anomaly pattern at the majority of stations between the weak and strong phases of the NAOIs. Composite precipitation means corresponding to the weak NAOI phase are explained mostly by wetter than long-term average conditions, whereas composite precipitation responses to the strong NAOI phase mostly produce drier than long-term average conditions. (d) Composite wet (dry) conditions during the weak (strong) phase of the NAOI are significant at about 32% (69%) of 78 stations for the PD–R NAOI, and about 38% (55%) for the L–S(R) NAOI. The dry signals from the strong NAO phases are stronger and show a larger spatial coherence over Turkey. The significant signals are evident in the west, centre and south of the country. (g) Widespread severe droughts in 1943, 1957, 1973, 1974, 1983, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and widespread strong wet conditions in 1940–1942, 1956, 1963, 1966, 1969 and 1970 were linked to the extreme high- and low-index events of at least two NAOIs, respectively.     

The variabilities of convective precipitation and large-scale precipitation in southern China for the period 1980–2020

Theoretical and Applied Climatology - In this paper, the spatial and temporal characteristics of convective precipitation (CP) and large-scale precipitation (LSP) in southern China during...     

Variation in the number of days with heavy precipitation on the territory of Russia for the period of 1936–2000

Time variations in the number of days with heavy precipitation based on data of 93 stations on the territory of Russia are analyzed. Time series of precipitation, corrected by the elimination of main systematic errors of their measurement at the level of their diurnal sums, are used, when computing. The diurnal precipitation sum, exceeding the average long-term diurnal precipitation maximum by three times, was taken as the threshold quantitative criterion, defining “the day with heavy precipitation” concept. This value varies within 10–15 mm/day on the territory of Russia. Extremums fluctuate from 5 to 40 mm/day. Absolute values of linear trends of the annual number of days with heavy precipitation are comparatively small, they fluctuate within ±4 days on the whole territory of Russia. In relative terms, these variations are rather significant, reaching ±40% and more of the corresponding average value for 65 years. The comparison of the spatial distribution of characteristics of linear trends of the annual number of days with heavy precipitation and annual precipitation sum indicates their close conformity.     

Trends of seasonal maximum and minimum temperatures and precipitation in Southern Brazil for the 1913–2006 period

Long-term variations of monthly average maximum and minimum temperature (TMAX and TMIN) and precipitation records in southern Brazil are investigated for the 1913–2006 period. These variations are carefully analyzed for seasonal and annual indices, taken as regional averages. For this purpose, the serial correlation and trend of the indices are investigated using the run and Mann–Kendall tests. The significant trends are obtained from linear least-square fits. The annual and seasonal TMIN indices show significant warming trends with magnitudes (1.7°C per 100 years for annual index) comparable to those reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but lower than those found for the southern Brazil in another previous work. Regarding the two other variables, the indices show significant trends only for summer, being a cooling trend of 0.6°C per 100 years for the TMAX and an increasing trend of 93 mm per 100 years over an average summer precipitation of 367 mm. Concerning the decadal analysis, the 1920s present the lowest annual, autumn, and spring TMIN and the 1990s, the highest ones. The 1970s is the decade with the lowest summer TMAX, and the 1940s the decade with the highest one. The driest decade is the 1940s and the wettest, the 1980s.     

Winter convective precipitation variability in southeastern Europe and its connection to middle tropospheric circulation for the 60-year period, 1950–2009

The inter-annual variability of winter convective precipitation rate (CPR) in southeastern Europe and its connection to 500?hPa geopotential height (GH) is examined for the period 1950–2009 by using factor analysis and canonical correlation analysis. Two GH centers of action for CPR are found. The first one is located over Italy and it is associated with the typical winter depression activity regime over the Mediterranean Sea, controlling CPR in southern Italy, the southern Balkans, west Asia Minor, and the adjacent seas. The second one is located over the British Isles and it is associated with blocking activity over western Europe being responsible for a CPR seesaw teleconnection between (1) northern Italy, the Alps and the northwestern Balkans and (2) the south central Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily. A CPR decrease in most of the areas under study and a CPR increase in the south central Mediterranean Sea are found.     

Changes of precipitation pattern in China: 1961–2010

Theoretical and Applied Climatology - Based on the precipitation records of 2474 meteorological stations, this study investigated precipitation characteristics and trends in China from 1961 to...     

Variations in precipitation amounts, atmosphere circulation, and relative humidity in high mountainous parts of Bulgaria for the period 1947–2008

Variations of precipitation amounts, atmosphere circulation, and relative humidity at three high mountainous stations in Bulgaria are investigated. The research period is 1947–2008. Three stations are peaks Musala (2,927?m), Cherni Vrah (2,293?m), and Botev (2,378?m). Homogeneity checks were performed. Some adjustments of monthly precipitation amounts were done due to the change of rain gauge placements. Methods employed in this research are statistical—trend analysis, multiple linear regression, autocorrelation, spectral analysis, correlation, etc. The main conclusion is that annual precipitation amounts in high mountainous parts of Bulgaria decrease over the last six decades. These trends are statistically significant in lower and northern stations of Cherni Vrah and Botev. Observed tendencies are due mainly to precipitation in months of the cold part of the year—from October till March and also June. Atmospheric circulation, on an annual basis, shows a decrease in the number of cyclones and an increase of the number of anticyclones. Atmospheric pressure has no significant change during the research period. Relative humidity, on an annual basis, increases at the two western stations (Musala and Cherni Vrah) and decreases at Botev peak. Multiple regression statistical modeling shows good results at stations Cherni Vrah and Botev. Station Musala is more difficult to model with the five predictors used because of the winter months. Correlation coefficients reveal a good connection between precipitation amounts at all three stations. Only Botev station has a significant cycle in precipitation distribution, which is about 3.7?months.     

Spatial and temporal variability of precipitation indices during 1961–2010 in Hunan Province,central south China

Based on daily precipitation records at 75 meteorological stations in Hunan Province, central south China, the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation indices is analyzed during 1961–2010. For precipitation extremes, most of precipitation indices suggest that both the amount and the intensity of extreme precipitation are increasing, especially the mean precipitation amount on a wet day, showing a significant positive trend. Meanwhile, both of the monthly rainfall heterogeneity and the contribution of the days with the greatest rainfall show an upward trend. When it comes to rainfall erosivity, most of this province is characterized by high values of annual rainfall erosivity. Although the directions of trends in annual rainfall erosivity at most stations are upward, only 6 of the 75 stations have significant trends. Furthermore, the spatial and temporal variation of dryness/wetness has been assessed by the standardized precipitation index (SPI). The principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the SPI series computed on 24-month time scales. The results demonstrated a noticeable spatial variability with three subregions characterized by different trends: a remarkable wet tendency prevails in the central and southern areas, while the northern areas are dominated by a remarkable dry tendency.     

Analysis of tropical cyclone intensification trends and variability in the North Atlantic Basin over the period 1970–2003

Summary Over the past three decades, the sea-surface temperatures of the lower latitudes of the North Atlantic basin have increased while the lower-tropospheric temperatures show no upward trend. This differential warming of the atmosphere may have a destabilizing effect that could influence the development and intensification of tropical cyclones (TCs). In this investigation, we find that in general, TC intensification (a) is higher during the daytime period and during the later months of the storm season, (b) tends to be higher in the western portion of the North Atlantic basin, and (c) is not explained by current month or antecedent SSTs. Any changes associated with warming of the surface compared to a smaller temperature rise in the lower-troposphere (and resultant changes in atmospheric stability) have not produced detectable impacts on intensification rates of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic basin.     

Statistical distributions of daily rainfall regime in Europe for the period 1951–2000

Amount and time distributions, X and Y, of daily rain amounts in Europe along the second half of 20th century have been studied from 267 rain gauge records. Different geographical features, such as latitude, vicinity to Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean or altitude above sea level, cause the averages of daily rain and annual number of rainy days to vary within a wide range. The largest daily percentiles of amount and time distributions are reached at latitudes south of 50°N and in southwestern Norway. The amount of distribution, X, is well-modelled by the exponential function, with parameters derived from probability graphs. Time distributions, Y, are well-fitted by Pearson type III (Gamma) and Weibull models, their parameters being estimated by L-moments. Normalised rainfall curves (NRC) have been modelled by the analytical function $ X = Y \cdot \exp \left\{ { - b{{\left( {1 - Y} \right)}^c}} \right\} $ , with b and c parameters depicting spatial variability. Alternatively, the beta distribution also describes quite well the empirical NRCs, with parameters estimated by statistical moments. The coordinates of the average daily amount (X _r , Y _r ) and the values of X ^* and Y ^* , which are defined as the fraction of rain amount for a half of rainy days and the fraction of number of rainy days accounting for a half of total rain amount, respectively, depict very similar spatial distribution throughout Europe. In fact, X _r and X ^* keep a linear relationship, as well as Y _r and Y ^* , the four coordinates depending on the coefficient of variation of daily rain amounts. A similar linear relationship is found for the pair (X ^* , Y ^* ). Finally, the Average Linkage algorithm applied to the coordinates X _r , Y _r , X ^* and Y ^* characterising every one of the 267 NRCs permits to group the rain gauges into several spatial clusters, each of them related to a different normalised daily pluviometric regime.     

Discrete wavelet transform-based investigation into the variability of standardized precipitation index in Northwest China during 1960–2014

This study analyses spatio-temporal trends in precipitation, temperature, and river discharge in the northeast of Iran during recent decades (1953–2013). The Pettitt, SNHT, Buishand, Box-Pierce, Ljung-Box, and McLeod-Li methods were applied to examine homogeneity in time series studied. The nonparametric Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator tests were used to detect possible significant (p < 0.05) temporal trends in hydrometeorological time series and their magnitude, respectively. For time series with autocorrelation, the trend-free pre-whitening (TFPW) method was used to determine significant trends. To explore spatial distributions of trends, their magnitudes were interpolated by the inverse distance whitening (IDW) method. Trend analysis shows that for daily, monthly, and annual precipitation time series, 12.5, 19, and 12.5 % of the stations revealed significant increasing trends, respectively. For mean temperature, warming trends were found at 38, 23, and 31 % of the stations on daily, monthly, and annual timescales, in turn. Daily and monthly river discharge decreased at 80 and 40 % of the stations. Overall, these results indicate significant increases in precipitation and temperature but decreases in river discharge during recent decades. Hence, it can be concluded that decreasing trends in river discharge time series over the northeast of Iran during 1953–2013 are in response to warming temperatures, which increase the rate of evapotranspiration. Differences between the results of our comprehensive large-scale study and those of previous researches confirm the necessity for more model-based local studies on climatic and environmental changes across the northeast of Iran.     

Areal distribution and precipitation–altitude relationship of heavy short-term precipitation in the Czech Republic in the warm part of the year

The article presents an analysis of heavy short-term precipitation for the warm part of the year in the Czech Republic (CR). Precipitation data are prepared for the years 2002–2007 with a horizontal resolution of 1 km and a temporal resolution of 1 h. A method merging radar and daily rain gauge measurements is applied to calculate basic hourly precipitation. Two types of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-h precipitation data, derived from the basic hourly precipitation, are investigated from the viewpoint of precipitation–altitude relationships and areal distributions of heavy precipitation. The first type of data consists of sums of hourly precipitation, where the summation is performed for all data regardless of whether the summed hourly precipitation is a part of a longer precipitation event or if some hours are without precipitation. The second type of data contains temporally bounded precipitation events. This type predominantly includes convective precipitation. The results show that for both types of data, 1-h precipitation with high rain rates is without apparent dependence on altitude. For the first type of data and for precipitation durations of 2 and 3 h, the impact of altitude on precipitation maps can be identified for low and high rain rates. The impact of mountains is evident for the 6-h precipitation because it includes large scale precipitation events. However, the second type of data does not depend on altitude for heavy precipitation. Heavy precipitation of the second type shows, especially for 6-h, an increased frequency of occurrence in the south to central CR.     

An assessment of oceanic variability for 1960–2010 from the GFDL ensemble coupled data assimilation

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory has developed an ensemble coupled data assimilation (ECDA) system based on the fully coupled climate model, CM2.1, in order to provide reanalyzed coupled initial conditions that are balanced with the climate prediction model. Here, we conduct a comprehensive assessment for the oceanic variability from the latest version of the ECDA analyzed for 51 years, 1960–2010. Meridional oceanic heat transport, net ocean surface heat flux, wind stress, sea surface height, top 300 m heat content, tropical temperature, salinity and currents are compared with various in situ observations and reanalyses by employing similar configurations with the assessment of the NCEP’s climate forecast system reanalysis (Xue et al. in Clim Dyn 37(11):2511–2539, 2011). Results show that the ECDA agrees well with observations in both climatology and variability for 51 years. For the simulation of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean and global salinity variability, the ECDA shows a good performance compared to existing reanalyses. The ECDA also shows no significant drift in the deep ocean temperature and salinity. While systematic model biases are mostly corrected with the coupled data assimilation, some biases (e.g., strong trade winds, weak westerly winds and warm SST in the southern oceans, subsurface temperature and salinity biases along the equatorial western Pacific boundary, overestimating the mixed layer depth around the subpolar Atlantic and high-latitude southern oceans in the winter seasons) are not completely eliminated. Mean biases such as strong South Equatorial Current, weak Equatorial Under Current, and weak Atlantic overturning transport are generated during the assimilation procedure, but their variabilities are well simulated. In terms of climate variability, the ECDA provides good simulations of the dominant oceanic signals associated with El Nino and Southern Oscillation, Indian Ocean Dipole, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation during the whole analyzed period, 1960–2010.     

Analysis of temperature variability in the mountain regions of the North Caucasus in 1961–2013

Annual and seasonal series of temperature values are analyzed using the data of Akhty, Teberda, and Terskol weather stations (the height above the sea level is >1000 m) for 1961-2013 as well as from 1976 to 2013 in order to reveal changes in the mountain climate in the period of contemporary global warming. Mean values, standard deviations, norms, and anomalies of annual and seasonal values of temperature as well as the rate of their variation in the mentioned periods are obtained. It is found that the temperature rise is observed in all seasons and for the year as a whole at the mountain weather stations except Terskol station. According to the results of studying temperature variability, Akhty and Teberda weather stations were united into the group “mountain weather stations” with the subsequent averaging of climatic variables. Terskol weather station was singled out as an independent high-mountain weather station.     

Mapping average annual precipitation in Serbia (1961–1990) by using regression kriging

The appearence of geostatistics and geographical information systems has made it possible to analyze complex spatial patterns of meteorological elements over large areas in the applied climatology. The objective of this study is to use geostatistics to characterize the spatial structure and map the spatial variation of average values of precipitation for a 30-year period in Serbia. New, recently introduced, geostatistical algorithms facilitate utilization of auxiliary variables especially remote sensing data or freely available global datasets. The data from Advanced Spaceborn Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer global digital elevation model are incorporated as ancillary variables into spatial prediction of average annual precipitation using geostatistical method known as regression kriging. The R ² value of 0.842 proves high performance result of the prediction of the proposed method.