Abstract
Although prolonged heat periods have become a recurring feature of European climate, little knowledge is available on dominant spatial patterns of heatwaves and their influence on moisture-related processes. Increased knowledge will help to improve heatwave and drought prediction and mitigation. This study uses hierarchical agglomerative clustering to derive nine dominating spatial heatwave patterns from a 50-member regional climate model (Canadian Regional Climate Model version 5, CRCM5-LE). The heatwave patterns correspond well with clusters derived from an observational data set (E-OBS) and with extreme historical heatwave events. Moreover, we analyse the occurrence of heatwaves in the identified spatial patterns regarding a soil moisture deficit present before and after the event. We show that negative soil moisture anomalies in the preceding winter/spring (JFMA) can serve as a predictor for heatwaves in South Europe. For North Europe, we find a negative correlation between the number of heatwave days in summer and autumn (OND) soil moisture content.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
