夏季中国华北与印度降水之间的关联及其成因分析

本文基于1951~2012年的再分析资料以及站点观测资料,针对中国华北夏季降水和印度夏季风降水的协同变化(正相关)关系,利用集合经验模态分解法(EEMD)对两个降水序列进行时间尺度分解,并在年际尺度上分别考察了对两者正相关关系形成的有利和不利环流形势.结果表明,印度夏季风降水和华北夏季降水序列的较好正相关关系主要来自周期为2~3年的年际尺度分量,两者在该时间尺度上的相关系数为0.34,达到99%的信度水平.在年际尺度上,与印度夏季风降水异常有关的对流层中高层环半球遥相关型(CGT)波列能够衔接伊朗高原和环渤海地区上空的同位相环流异常(反气旋式或气旋式),从而有利于华北夏季降水和印度夏季风降水之间的协同变化.然而,这一协同变化关系并不总是成立.当伊朗高原上空异常中心的位置偏西时,CGT波列无法形成.这时,即使印度夏季风降水出现显著异常,华北地区却易受东亚—太平洋型或西太平洋型遥相关型的影响而其降水形势可能与印度夏季风降水形势相反.这些结论有助于进一步理解印度夏季风降水与华北夏季降水的正相关关系,从而对华北夏季降水的预测具有参考意义.     

1998年和2016年北大西洋海温异常对中国夏季降水影响的数值模拟研究

基于1979-2016年ERA-Interim再分析资料和CAM5.3模式,研究了2016年和1998年北大西洋海温异常对中国夏季降水以及大尺度环流的可能影响及其机制。结果表明,这两年前夏（6-7月）长江中下游及其以南地区降水均异常偏多,但1998年降水异常较2016年更为显著。后夏（8月）,2016年长江以南地区降水异常偏多,长江-黄河流域降水异常偏少,而1998年降水异常分布与之相反。2016年和1998年夏季中国东部降水异常的差异与西北太平洋对流层低层异常反气旋以及欧亚中高纬度环流变化的共同作用直接相关。敏感性数值试验的结果表明,北大西洋海温异常的显著差异是导致2016年和1998年夏季中国东部降水以及大尺度环流异常存在明显差异的重要原因之一。一方面,北大西洋海温异常可以通过改变欧亚中高纬度环流进而对中国夏季降水产生影响。1998年北大西洋海温异常自热带至副极地呈类似"+ - +"型分布,这种海温异常型能够在前夏欧亚中高纬度地区激发出双阻型的环流异常响应。2016年北大西洋海温异常自热带至副极地呈相对弱的"- + -"型分布,欧亚中高纬度环流异常响应总体偏弱。另一方面,北大西洋海温异常还可以通过影响热带纬向环流进而对西北太平洋对流层低层异常反气旋起调制作用。1998年北大西洋海温异常对夏季西北太平洋异常反气旋起增强作用,这与热带印度洋-太平洋海温的强迫作用相协调。然而,2016年北大西洋海温异常则有利于西北太平洋异常反气旋的减弱,这与热带印度洋-太平洋海温的强迫作用相反。因此,在这3个大洋的协同作用下,2016年和1998年前夏西北太平洋异常反气旋均偏强,但前者的振幅弱于后者。在后夏,1998年西北太平洋对流层低层仍受异常反气旋控制,2016年则为异常气旋控制。      

Analysis and Numerical Simulations of the Teleconnection Between Indian Summer Monsoon and Precipitation in North China

In the early 1980s, Chinese meteorologists discovered the positive correlation in summer rainfall between India and North China and the correlation was later confirmed by some researches in and outside China. Based on a variety of meteorological data from 1951 to 2005 and numerical simulations, the present study investigates such a correlation between Indian summer monsoon （ISM） and precipitation in North China. Furthermore, we discuss the intrinsic relations of the positive （Northwest India）-negative （the Tibetan Plateau）-positive （North China） precipitation anomaly teleconnection pattern from two aspects of thermal and dynamical factors, which not only confirms the precipitation teleconnection previously discovered again, but also reveals the influence mechanism of the ISM on the rainfall in North China. The results show that： （1） When the ISM is strong （weak）, the precipitation in North China tends to be more （less） than normal; however, when the rainfall in North China is more （less） than normal, the probability of the strengthening （weakening） of the ISM is relatively lower. This implies that the ISM anomaly has more impact on the rainfall in North China. （2） The Indian low usually dominantly impacts the intensity of the ISM. When the Indian low deepens, the low troughs in mid-high latitudes are frequently strengthened, and the ridge of the western Pacific subtropical high （WPSH） extends westward. The southwesterly water vapor transport originated from low-latitudes and the southeasterly water vapor transport along the southwestern flank of the WPSH converge in North China, which is favorable for more rainfall there than normal, and vice versa. （3） The simulations from the regional climate model developed by National Climate Center （ReGCM_NCC） capture the salient feature of the precipitation teleconnection between India and North China. The simulated anomalous atmospheric existence of such a teleconnection from another circulations are close to observatio     

Interannual variability of summer rainfall over the northern part of China and the related circulation features

In this study, interannual variability of summer rainfall over the northern part of China (NPC) and associated circulation patterns were investigated by using long-term (1961–2013) observational and reanalysis data. Two important NPC rainfall modes were identified by empirical orthogonal function analysis: the first is characterized by an almost uniformly distributed rainfall anomaly over most parts of the NPC, while the second shows rainfall variability in Northeast China (NEC) and its out-of-phase relationship with that in North China (NC) and the northern part of Northwest China. The results also suggest that the NPC summer rainfall anomalies are also closely associated with those in some other parts of China.It is revealed that the circumglobal teleconnection pattern associated with the anomalous Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the Polar/Eurasia (PEA) pattern work in concert to constitute the typical circulation pattern of the first rainfall mode. The cooperative engagement of the anomalous ISM circulation and the PEA pattern is fundamental in transporting water vapor to the NPC. The study emphasizes that the PEA pattern is essential for the water vapor transport to the NPC through the anomalous midlatitude westerly.In the second NPC rainfall mode, the typical circulation pattern is characterized by the anomalous surface Okhotsk high and the attendant lower tropospheric circulation anomaly over NEC. The circulation anomaly over NEC leads to a redistribution of water vapor fluxes over the NPC and constitutes an out-of-phase relationship between the rainfall anomalies over NEC and NC.     

INSTABILITY OF THE TELECONNECTION OF SUMMER RAINFALLS BETWEEN NORTH CHINA AND INDIA

Summer rainfall variations in North China closely relate to that in India. It seems that an alternation of signs of " , -, " exists in the geographical pattern of the correlation in summer rainfall from North China to India through the Tibetan Plateau. However, it appears that the teleconnection of summer rainfall variations between North China and India is unstable. Over 1945 - 1974, the correlation coefficient (hereafter as CC) is as large as 0.7. In contrast, the CC is about-0.3 over 1827-1856. Further studies, based on observations starting from 1813, showed that the correlation is strong when summer rainfalls in both North China and India are large, and vice versa. In order to find what induce the change of the teleconnection, variations of summer rainfall in both North China and India, mean sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific and the frequency of ENSO events were examined in relation to the change of the teleconnection. The result showed that the teleconnection appears weak when the mean SST is high and the frequency of La Nia events is low; the teleconnection is strong when the mean SST is low and the frequency of La Nia events is high. At last, it is notable that La Nia happens in only 3 years during the recent 30 years from 1976 to 2005 and the teleconnection becomes weak too.     

A Study of the Teleconnections in the Asian-Pacific Monsoon Region

The interactions among the Asian-Pacific monsoon subsystems have significant impacts on the climatic regimes in the monsoon region and even the whole world. Based on the domestic and foreign related research, an analysis is made of four different teleconnection modes found in the Asian-Pacific monsoon region, which reveal clearly the interactions among the Indian summer monsoon （ISM）, the East Asian summer monsoon （EASM）, and the western North Pacific summer monsoon （WNPSM）. The results show that： （1） In the period of the Asian monsoon onset, the date of ISM onset is two weeks earlier than the beginning of the Meiyu over the Yangtze River Basin, and a teleconnection mode is set up from the southwestern India via the Bay of Bengal （BOB） to the Yangtze River Basin and southern Japan, i.e., the ＂southern＂ teleconnection of the Asian summer monsoon. （2） In the Asian monsoon culmination period, the precipitation of the Yangtze River Basin is influenced significantly by the WNPSM through their teleconnection relationship, and is negatively related to the WNPSM rainfall, that is, when the WNPSM is weaker than normal, the precipitation of the Yangtze River Basin is more than normal. （3） In contrast to the rainfall over the Yangtze River Basin, the precipitation of northern China （from the 4th pentad of July to the 3rd pentad of August） is positively related to the WNPSM. When the WNPSM is stronger than normal, the position of the western Pacific subtropical high （WPSH） becomes farther northeast than normal, the anomalous northeastward water vapor transport along the southwestern flank of WPSH is converged over northern China, providing adequate moisture for more rainfalls than normal there. （4） The summer rainfall in northern China has also a positive correlation with the ISM. During the peak period of ISM, a teleconnection pattern is formed from Northwest India via the Tibetan Plateau to northern China, i.e., the ＂northern＂ teleconnection of the Asian summer monsoon. The     

华北地区的降水特征及趋势估计

华北地区位于干旱和半干旱地区。气候降水是该区水资源的主要来源之一,也是影响该区水资源周期性变化的主要因素之一。华北及其北、中、南三个分区的年降水距平曲线变化趋势３具有相似性,而且此四个地区连续出现正距平的年数不超过４年,华北及其北、中部连续出现负距平的年数不超过５年,南部不超过６年,华北、黄淮和东北地区东部与印度次大陆大地区夏季降水距平之间存在正相关关系,同时又与澳洲大部分地区冬季降水距平有负相关     

The impacts of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet on weather extremes over China in early and late summer

Summer weather extremes (e.g., heavy rainfall, heat waves) in China have been linked to anomalies of summer monsoon circulations. The East Asian subtropical westerly jet (EASWJ), an important component of the summer monsoon circulations, was investigated to elucidate the dynamical linkages between its intraseasonal variations and local weather extremes. Based on EOF analysis, the dominant mode of the EASWJ in early summer is characterized by anomalous westerlies centered over North China and anomalous easterlies centered over the south of Japan. This mode is conducive to the occurrence of precipitation extremes over Central and North China and humid heat extremes over most areas of China except Northwest and Northeast China. The centers of the dominant mode of the EASWJ in late summer extend more to the west and north than in early summer, and induce anomalous weather extremes in the corresponding areas. The dominant mode of the EASWJ in late summer is characterized by anomalous westerlies centered over the south of Lake Baikal and anomalous easterlies centered over Central China, which is favorable for the occurrence of precipitation extremes over northern and southern China and humid heat extremes over most areas of China except parts of southern China and northern Xinjiang Province. The variability of the EASWJ can influence precipitation and humid heat extremes by driving anomalous vertical motion and water vapor transport over the corresponding areas in early and late summer.摘要东亚副热带西风急流是影响中国极端天气的重要原因之一, 然而之前的研究主要关注整个夏季急流的变率, 对其早夏和晚夏变率的区别及其对极端天气的影响关注较少. 本文研究了早夏和晚夏东亚副热带西风急流季节内变化特征的区别, 以及这种区别带来的极端天气的差异及其可能的动力学机制. 研究结果表明, 相比于早夏, 晚夏急流季节内变化中心位置偏西偏北, 通过改变垂直运动和水汽输送可以影响极端降水和湿热浪在相应区域的发生概率.     

Coupled Modes of Rainfall over China and the Pacific Sea Surface Temperature in Boreal Summertime

In this study,monthly NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and NOAA ERSST as well as observed precipitation data from 160 stations in China were used to investigate coupled modes affecting the rainfall over China and sea surface temperature (SST) in the Pacific during boreal summertime based on singular value decomposition (SVD) method.The SVD analysis revealed three remarkable coupled modes:rainfall over North China associated with an ENSO-like SST pattern (ENSO-NC),rainfall over the Yangtze River valley associated with SST anomalies in the western tropical Pacific (WTP-YRV),and rainfall over the Yellow River loop valley associated with tropical Pacific meridional mode-like SST pattern (TPMM-YRLV).These coupled SVD modes appear robust and closely correlated with the single field.Furthermore,the covariabilities among of the three coupled modes have different characteristics at the decadal time scale.In addition,the possible atmospheric teleconnections of the coupled rainfall and SST modes were discussed.For the ENSO-NC mode,anomalous low-pressure and high-pressure over the Asian continent induces moisture divergence over North China and reduces summer rainfall there.For the WTP-YRV mode,East Asia-Pacific teleconnection induces moisture convergence over the Yangtze River valley and enhances the summer rainfall there.The TPMM SST and the summer rainfall anomalies over the YRVL are linked by a circumglobal,wave-train-like,atmospheric teleconnection.     

Persistent Heavy Rainfall over South China During May-August：Subseasonal Anomalies of Circulation and Sea Surface Temperature

This study investigates the relationship between subseasonal variations of the circulation and sea surface temperature（SST） over the South China–East Asian coastal region（EACR） in association with the persistent heavy rainfall（PHR） events over South China during May–August through statistical analysis. Based on the intensity threshold and duration criterion of the daily rainfall, a total of 63 May–June（MJ） and 59July–August（JA） PHR events are selected over South China from 1979 to 2011. The lower-level circulation anomalies on subseasonal timescale exhibit an anomalous cyclone over South China and an anomalous anticyclone shaped like a tongue over the South China Sea（SCS） during the PHR events for MJ group.The anomalous cyclone over South China in MJ originates from low-value systems in the mid-high latitudes before the rainfall. The anomalous anticyclone over the SCS is due to the westward extension of the western Pacific subtropical high（WPSH） and the southeastward propagation of the anomalous anticyclone from South China before the rainfall. For JA group, the lower-level anomalous circulation pattern is similar to that for MJ over the South China–EACR, but with di？erent features of propagation. The subseasonal anomalous anticyclone is also related to the westward stretch of the WPSH, while the anomalous cyclone is traced back to the weak anomalous cyclone over the Philippine Sea several days before the rainfall events.Positive SST anomaly（SSTA） is observed over the SCS and the Philippine Sea during the MJ PHR events on the subseasonal timescale. It is closely linked with the variation of local anomalous anticyclone. In contrast, negative SSTA occupies the South China coastal region for the JA PHR events, and it is driven by the anomalous cyclone which propagates northwestward from the Philippine Sea. The subseasonal positive（negative） SSTAs are generated via the local processes of above（below）-normal incident solar radiation and below（above）-normal latent heat fluxes. The possible role of the subseasonal SSTA in the local convective instability is also analyzed in this study.     

影响中国夏季降水的前冬北半球中高纬大气环流年际变异主模态

本文利用观测和再分析资料,通过奇异值分解(Singular Value Decomposition, SVD)分析,发现北极涛动(Arctic Oscillation, AO)是显著影响中国夏季降水年际异常的前冬中高纬大气环流变异的主模态。AO在冬季发展成熟,在春季衰亡,在夏季发生位相反转。AO会导致华北、东北、长江中下游和华南夏季降水异常呈现三极型分布。伴随正位相的AO,在黄海至日本海上空的异常低压伴随的东北风异常引起华北和东北水汽通量异常辐散及降水减少,而西北太平洋的异常高压不仅增强其北侧的西南风水汽输送,和北部异常低压共同作用导致长江中下游水汽通量异常辐合及降水增加,而且使得华南水汽通量异常辐散,降水减少。因此,本文发现的前冬AO模态与我国夏季三极型异常降水分布的关系可为我国夏季旱涝预测提供一个重要的中高纬前期因子。     

Impacts of the leading modes of tropical Indian Ocean sea surface temperature anomaly on sub-seasonal evolution of the circulation and rainfall over East Asia during boreal spring and summer

The two leading modes of the interannual variability of the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly are the Indian Ocean basin mode (IOBM) and the Indian Ocean dipole mode (IODM) from March to August. In this paper, the relationship between the TIO SST anomaly and the sub-seasonal evolution of the circulation and rainfall over East Asia during boreal spring and summer is investigated by using correlation analysis and composite analysis based on multi-source observation data from 1979 to 2013, together with numerical simulations from an atmospheric general circulation model. The results indicate that the impacts of the IOBM on the circulation and rainfall over East Asia vary remarkably from spring to summer. The anomalous anticyclone over the tropical Northwest Pacific induced by the warm IOBM is closely linked with the Pacific–Japan or East Asia–Pacific teleconnection pattern, which persists from March to August. In the upper troposphere over East Asia, the warm phase of the IOBM generates a significant anticyclonic response from March to May. In June and July, however, the circulation response is characterized by enhanced subtropical westerly flow. A distinct anomalous cyclone is found in August. Overall, the IOBM can exert significant influence on the western North Pacific subtropical high, the South Asian high, and the East Asian jet, which collectively modulate the precipitation anomaly over East Asia. In contrast, the effects of the IODM on the climate anomaly over East Asia are relatively weak in boreal spring and summer. Therefore, studying the impacts of the TIO SST anomaly on the climate anomaly in East Asia should take full account of the different sub-seasonal response during boreal spring and summer.     

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TROPICAL PACIFIC SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE AND SUMMER RAINFALL OVER NORTHWEST CHINA

In this paper,the data of summer precipitation in Northwest China were expanded by means of EOF.According tomajor eigenvectors in expansion the area of Northwest China was divided into four natural rainfall regions.Amongthem the region of greatest precipitation variability is found over the East Qinghai-North Shaanxi region,includingEast Qinghai,Central and East Gansu,Ningxia and North Shaanxi.There is apparent teleconnection between the firstand second time-dependent coefficients in EOF expansion and the tropical Pacific SST in the corresponding period andearlier months.The variation of the east tropical Pacific SST in winter and spring is able to predict precipitation trend ofNorthwest China next summer.Moreover,in the El Nino years precipitation trend is opposite to the following year,andthe region from East Qinghai to North Shaanxi is most sensitive.     

A STUDY ON THE VARIATION OF DROUGHT PERIODS OCCURRING IN NORTHWEST CHINA AND OTHER AFRICA-ASIA CONTINENTAL REGIONS

Characteristics of the drought periods which occurred in North Africa,Middle East,Middle Asiaand Northwest China were studied based on the analysis of rainfall data from 1870—1990.It is foundthat the drought periods first started in North Africa and expanded eastward to Northwest Chinathrough Middle East and Middle Asia in about 27.5 years.And then a new teleconnection pattern of30—50 day low-frequency oscillation which is associated with the droughts over the Africa-Asia Con-tinent was discovered.Finally,a hypothesis is proposed based on the statistical results that the east-ward expansion of drought periods may be caused by the occurrence of giant earthquakes(Ms>6.0)which have a tendency to shift eastward from North Africa to Northwest China in about 27.75 years.     

Relationship Between Soil Temperature in May over Northwest China and the East Asian Summer Monsoon Precipitation

This study investigates the relationship between the soil temperature in May and the East Asian summer monsoon （EASM） precipitation in June and July using station observed soil temperature data over Northwest China from 1971 to 2000.It is found that the memory of the soil temperature at 80-cm depth can persist for at least 2 months,and the soil temperature in May is closely linked to the EASM precipitation in June and July.When the soil temperature is warmer in May over Northwest China,less rainfall occurs over the Yangtze and Huaihe River valley but more rainfall occurs over South China in June and July.It is proposed that positive anomalous soil temperature in May over Northwest China corresponds to higher geopotential heights over the most parts of the mainland of East Asia,which tend to weaken the ensuing EASM.Moreover,in June and July,a cyclonic circulation anomaly occurs over Southeast China and Northwest Pacific and an anticyclonic anomaly appears in the Yangtze and Huaihe River valley at 850 hPa.All the above tend to suppress the precipitation in the Yangtze and Huaihe River valley.The results also indicate that the soil temperature in May over Northwest China is closely related to the East Asia/Pacific （EAP） teleconnection pattern,and it may be employed as a useful predictor for the East Asian summer monsoon rainfall.     

The Interannual Variability of Summer Rainfall in the Arid and Semiarid Regions of Northern China and Its Association with the Northern Hemisphere Circumglobal Teleconnection

Using the latest daily observational rainfall datasets for the period 1961–2008, the present study investigates the interannual variability of June–September (JJAS) mean rainfall in northern China. The regional characteristics of JJAS mean rainfall are revealed by a rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) analysis. The analysis identifies three regions of large interannual variability of JJAS rainfall: North China (NC), Northeast China (NEC), and the Taklimakan Desert in Northwest China (TDNWC). Summer rainfall over NC is shown to have displayed a remarkable dry period from the late 1990s; while over NEC, decadal-scale variation with a significant decreasing trend in the last two decades is found, and over TDNWC, evidence of large interannual variability is revealed. Results also show that the interannual variability of JJAS rainfall in northern China is closely associated with the Northern Hemisphere circumglobal teleconnection (CGT). Correlation coefficients between the CGT index and regional-averaged JJAS mean rainfall over NC and NEC were calculated, revealing values of up to 0.50 and 0.53, respectively, both of which exceeded the 99% confidence level.     

前期西太平洋暖池热含量异常对中国东北地区夏季降水的影响

利用日本气象厅历史海温资料、NCEP/NCAR再分析资料、哈得来环流中心海表温度资料和降水资料,研究了1951—2010年中国东北地区夏季降水与前期西太平洋暖池(简称暖池)热含量异常的关系,并对可能影响途径进行了探讨。结果表明,中国东北地区夏季降水与前期暖池热含量有密切的负相关,前期10—11月暖池关键区(15.5°—20.5°N,125.5°—135.5°E)0—200 m热含量高(低)是预报中国东北地区夏季旱(涝)的一个很好的指标。前期暖池热含量异常激发的夏季东亚-太平洋型遥相关(EAP)和中纬度高层沿亚洲西风急流东传波列的存在,可能是影响中国东北地区夏季降水的主要原因。当前期10-11月暖池区热含量为负异常时,菲律宾反气旋异常持续存在,夏季东亚-太平洋遥相关型出现,导致西太平洋副热带高压西伸加强,中国东北地区局地异常低气压和鄂霍次克海阻塞高压形成。同时,高空存在沿西风急流传播的遥相关波列,使得中国东北地区局地异常低气压和西太平洋副热带高压在日本附近增强,有利于中国东北地区夏季降水偏多;反之亦然。     

Analysis of the Role Played by Circulation in the Persistent Precipitation over South China in June 2010

South China(SC) experienced persistent heavy rain in June 2010.The climatic anomalies and related mechanism are analyzed in this study.Results show that the large-scale circulation pattern favorable for precipitation was maintained.In the upper level,the South Asian High and westerly jet stream provided a divergent circulation over SC.In the middle and low levels,an anomalous strong subtropical high(STH) extended to the South China Sea.The southwesterly monsoon flow along the northwest flank of the STH transported abundant water vapor from the western North Pacific,the Bay of Bengal,and the South China Sea to SC.The precipitation can be classified into two types:the West Siberia low(WSL)-induced low-level cyclone mode,and the STH-induced low-level jet mode.STH and WSL indices are defined to estimate the influence of these two systems,respectively.Analysis shows that both are critical for precipitation,but their respective contributions differ from year to year.In 2010,both were important factors for the heavy rainfall in June.     

Summertime atmospheric teleconnection pattern associated with a warming over the eastern Tibetan Plateau

By using a surface air temperature index (SATI) averaged over the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), investigation is conducted on the short-term climate variation associated with the interannual air warming (or cooling) over the TP in each summer month. Evidence suggests that the SATI is associated with a consistent teleconnection pattern extending from the TP to central-western Asia and southeastern Europe. Associated rainfall changes include, for a warming case, a drought in northern India in May and June, and a stronger mei-yu front in June. The latter is due to an intensified upper-level northeasterly in eastern China and a wetter and warmer condition over the eastern TP. In the East Asian regions, the time-space distributions of the correlation patterns between SATI and rainfall are more complex and exhibit large differences from month to month. Some studies have revealed a close relationship between the anomalous heating over the TP and the rainfall anomaly along the Yangtze River valley appearing in the summer on a seasonal mean time-scale, whereas in the present study, this relationship only appears in June and the signal's significance becomes weaker after the long-term trend in the data was excluded. Close correlations between SATI and the convection activity and SST also occur in the western Pacific in July and August: A zonally-elongated warm tone in the SST in the northwestern Pacific seems to be a passive response of the associated circulation related to a warm SATI. The SATI-associated teleconnection pattern provides a scenario consistently linking the broad summer rainfall anomalies in Europe, central-western Asia, India, and East Asia.     

Interdecadal change in North Korean winter mean rainfall

In the present study, it was found that there was a significant climate regime shift in 1993 from average rainfall amounts in winter (December of a year and January and February of the next year) in North Korea over the last 30 years (1982–2011). This significant climate regime shift in 1993 also appeared in empirical orthogonal function analysis conducted using the winter mean rainfall amounts observed at 26 weather observation stations in North Korea. The reason why winter mean rainfall amounts in North Korea were smaller during the period of 1994–2011 than during the period of 1982–1994 was that anomalous anticyclone was reinforced in regions near Lake Baikal while anomalous cyclone was reinforced on the sea on the east of Japan so that the winter pressure system pattern (west high-east low pattern) appeared and thus anomalous cold and dry northerlies were reinforced in most East Asian regions including North Korea. To figure out the reason why anomalous anticyclone was reinforced further in the East Asian continent in winters during the period of 1994–2011, differences in water equivalent of accumulated snow depths between the two periods were analyzed. As a result, more snow was observed in most East Asian regions during the period of 1994–2011. Therefore, anomalous anticyclone could be further reinforced in the East Asian continent because surface air temperature dropped further due to snow-albedo effect. The surface air temperature cooling deepened further in the East Asian continent during the period of 1994–2011 due to snow-albedo effect was identified through differences in sensible heat net flux between the two periods.