Cold–wet spells in mainland China during 1951–2011

Two types of persistent extreme weather events, the cold–wet spell (CWS) and the persistent wet-freezing event (PWFE), are defined by considering the persistence of both extreme low temperature (ELT) and precipitation. Regional CWS and PWFE are identified based on temporal persistence and spatial contiguity of single-station-based CWS event and PWFE, respectively. Relevant factors are further discussed to reveal the features of spatial distribution and temporal variability of such events. The results indicate that: (1) station-based CWSs are mostly observed in southern China, especially in eastern part of southwest China and south China. PWFEs are relatively frequently observed immediate south of middle reach of the Yangtze River. Both CWS and PWFE of longer duration are frequently observed in the northern part of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. Further analyses indicate that the occurrence of these events in southern China is positively related to elevation. (2) A total of 48 regional CWSs and 21 regional PWFEs are identified during cold season over 1951–2011 in China. The long-lasting ELT and rainy (snowy)/freezing condition render the event in southern China in 2008, the most severe one in the last five decades. (3) Precipitation is the limitation condition for the occurrence of CWS and PWFE in northern China, while ELT is the dominant factor for CWS and PWFE in southern China.