Precipitation variability over UAE and global SST teleconnections

Abstract

AbstractThe present study investigates the role of equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on the precipitation variability over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and adjoining Middle East regions. Monthly precipitation data (1981–2011) assembled from rain gauge stations located in the UAE along with other global reanalysis data sets are used to explore the teleconnections. It is observed that statistically significant correlations exist between precipitation over the UAE and the equatorial Pacific and North Atlantic SSTs. Canonical correlation analysis between the monthly winter precipitation and the global SSTs (60°S to 60°N) reveals that the major portion of the precipitation variability is influenced by equatorial Pacific SSTs associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The moisture budget analysis reveals the distinct change in the anomalous circulation (cyclonic and anticyclonic) associated with strong convergence and divergence of the moisture flux during the warm and cold phases of ENSO, respectively. Further, the composite analysis of upper troposheric zonal wind shows the equatorward shift (~2° latitude) of subtropical jet stream (STJ) over the Middle East during the warm phase of ENSO affecting the weather in the UAE. The findings suggest that the teleconnection linking ENSO and the precipitation over UAE and adjoining regions is mediated by the response of STJ to Rossby waves.