Sea Level Pressure Departures in the Mediterranean and their Relationship with Monthly Rainfall Conditions in Israel

Summary Monthly rainfall conditions in Israel were determined, using data from 12 stations, during 30 years (1961–90). The definition of a month to be dry, normal or wet, was done using standardized rainfall totals. Pressure departures for each of the three rainfall categories for each month of the rainy season, were calculated and mapped. Correlation between rainfall totals at each of the 12 stations and monthly mean sea level pressure at 72 grid points in the area delimited by the 20° W and 50° E meridians and the 20° N and 60° N parallels, was performed. For each month, 12 correlation maps were prepared (one of each station). Similar maps were averaged together to form coherent rainfall regions. At the beginning of the rainy season (October) the rainfall in Israel is sporadic and spotty without a distinctable coherent region. At the end of the rainy season (April) the rainfall is more widespread, forming a large coherent region covering most of the country. Dry rainfall conditions in Israel, were found to be characterized by positive pressure departures in the eastern Mediterranean and over Israel and/or by easterly or southerly circulation over the eastern Mediterranean. Wet rainfall conditions in Israel, were found to be characterized by negative pressure departures in the eastern Mediterranean and over Israel and/or by westerly or northerly circulation over the eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, in many cases dry conditions in Israel, were associated with below normal pressure conditions over central or western Europe, while wet conditions in Israel, with above normal conditions over the same region, thus, reflecting the so-called Mediterranean Oscillation. Finally, normal rainfall conditions are characterized by very slight to negligible pressure departures over the entire Mediterranean and Europe. Received November 18, 1997 Revised March 3, 1998