Possible linkage between winter extreme low temperature events over China and synoptic-scale transient wave activity

Abstract

Based on NECP/NCAR reanalysis data and daily temperature data of 743 stations in China, possible causes of winter extreme low temperature events are explored from the perspective of the synoptic-scale transient wave (STW) activity. Results suggest that there is a close linkage between STW activity and extreme low temperature events. Firstly, case studies are carried out on the years with the most and least frequent extreme low temperature events. In the winter of 1967, two strong and stable STW trains were maintained over the Eurasian continent, and the strong westerly jet provided a good channel for the propagation of STW. Located in the downstream area of those two STW trains, China was significantly influenced by them and experienced frequent extreme low temperature events. Further analysis suggest that the intensity of the upstream transient wave and the areas where the transient waves reached are completely consistent with the intensity of extreme low temperature and the areas where frequent extreme low temperature event happened, respectively. In contrast, Westerly jet in 2006 was weaker and the path of transient wave propagation was shorter and weaker, resulting in the low frequency of extreme temperature. Secondly, in their long term variations, westerly jet is also consistent with the extreme low temperature frequency. The transient wave path changed before and after the 1980s. Further investigation suggests that transient wave intensities in key areas exhibit in-phase changes with the frequency of extreme low temperature events in the periods of 1959–1979 and 1986–2006. Meanwhile, the main features of transient wave activities in high-frequent years and low-frequent years of extreme low temperature events are similar to those of 1967 and 2006, respectively. Results indicate that winter extreme low temperature events in China have a very close relationship with the transient wave activity, implying the propagation and activity of STW are important factors affecting the winter extreme low temperature events in China. This study can also provide a new clue for better understanding the mechanisms of the extreme temperature events.