Average Seasonal Precipitation Research Articles

Examining the Spatiotemporal Changes in the Annual, Seasonal, and Daily Rainfall Climatology of Puerto Rico

This study explores spatial and temporal changes in the rainfall climatology of Puerto Rico in order to identify areas where annual, seasonal or daily precipitation is increasing, decreasing, or remaining normal. Total annual, seasonal, and daily rainfall were retrieved from 23 historical rain gauges with consistent data for the 1956–2021 period. Mann–Kendall trend tests were done on the annual and seasonal rainfall series, and percentage change differences between two different climatologies (1956–1987 and 1988–2021) were calculated. Most of the stations did not exhibit statistically significant annual or seasonal trends in average rainfall. However, of the sites that did experience changes, most of them had statistically significant decreasing trends in mean precipitation. The annual, dry, and early wet season had more sites with negative trends when compared with positive trends, especially in the northwestern and southeastern region of the island. The late wet season was the only period with more sites showing statistically significant trends when compared with negative trends, specifically in the northern region of the island. Results for daily events show that extreme rainfall occurrences have generally decreased, especially in the western region of the island. When the 1955–1987 and 1988–2022 climatologies are compared, the results for annual average rainfall show two main regions with mean precipitation reductions, and those are the northwestern and southeastern areas of the island. The dry season was the only period with more areas exhibiting percentage increases in mean rainfall when the two climatologies were analyzed. The early and late wet season months exhibited similar patterns, with more areas on the island showing negative percentage decreases in average seasonal precipitation. The best predictor for the decreasing annual and seasonal trend in the northwest was a higher sea level pressure, and the variable that best explained the increasing trend in the northeast was total precipitable water.

Расчет климатических характеристик осадков над Черным морем по данным региональных климатических моделей

The ability of 16 regional climate models (RCMs) from the CORDEX project to adequately simulate the average values and long-term trends in precipitation over the Black Sea is assessed. The results of the simulations performed using the RCMs are compared with the data of the ERA5 reanalysis for the control period (1959–2005). Average annual precipitation and average seasonal precipitation for winter and summer, as well as long-term trends in precipitation for all months in a wide range of quantiles, are analyzed. It was found that average seasonal precipitation over the Black Sea is satisfactorily simulated by most RCMs in winter and by six RCMs in summer. At the same time, the monthly precipitation trends estimated on the basis of forecast calculations are close to those based on the ERA5 data only for one RCM. Keywords: precipitation, quantile regression, Black Sea, CORDEX

Расчет климатических характеристик осадков над Черным морем по данным региональных климатических моделей

The ability of 16 regional climate models (RCMs) from the CORDEX project to adequately simulate the average values and long-term trends in precipitation over the Black Sea is assessed. The results of the simulations performed using the RCMs are compared with the data of the ERA5 reanalysis for the control period (1959–2005). Average annual precipitation and average seasonal precipitation for winter and summer, as well as long-term trends in precipitation for all months in a wide range of quantiles, are analyzed. It was found that average seasonal precipitation over the Black Sea is satisfactorily simulated by most RCMs in winter and by six RCMs in summer. At the same time, the monthly precipitation trends estimated on the basis of forecast calculations are close to those based on the ERA5 data only for one RCM. Keywords: precipitation, quantile regression, Black Sea, CORDEX

Variation characteristics of high flows and their responses to climate change in permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

River flow characteristics in permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have changed rapidly with the intensification of global warming. However, the specific change characteristics and their responses to changes in influencing factors remain unclear. Based on the multi-year flow data of several typical basins in the QTP permafrost regions, combined with the flow duration curve and percentile flow, this study analyzed the variability of annual peak discharge, Q5, Q10, and Q30 (5%, 10%, and 30% percentile flows in the flow duration curve, respectively) and their response relationships with different climate change factors. In addition, the corresponding relationships between different percentile high flows and annual hydrographs were analyzed. The results indicate that, in the context of global warming, changes in the high flows in permafrost regions are bidirectional, either rising or falling, or both. Moreover, the responses of different percentile high flows to climate change are seasonally distinct. Spring high flows are more sensitive to changes in air temperature and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and summer and autumn high flows are more susceptible to corresponding changes in seasonal average precipitation and rainfall intensity. In addition, different percentile high flows can be used to predetermine the level of annual flood events. Among them, the largest, the larger, and all other general flood events during the annual flood season, can be defined by Q5, Q10, and Q30, respectively. The analysis of different high flows combined with the flow duration curve is essential for the further clarification of the hydrological processes in permafrost regions. The prudent utilization of water resources benefits the sustainable development of human society.

A Dataset of Overshooting Cloud Top from 12-Year CloudSat/CALIOP Joint Observations

A strong convective storm is a disastrous weather system with a small spatio-temporal scale. It often occurs suddenly and can cause huge disasters. Thus, it is necessary to improve the forecast accuracy of strong convective storms. Overshooting cloud top (OT) is the product of strong updrafts in convective storms, which can penetrate the tropopause and enter the lower stratosphere. OT is closely related to severe weather and can influence water vapor transport and the material exchange between the troposphere and stratosphere. Therefore, the timely detection of OT can help improve the accuracy of forecasting. In this study, we develop a new objective OT detection algorithm based on geostationary satellite observations from 2006 to 2017. The accuracy of the new algorithm in identifying OT is verified by manually comparing it with the radar echo images and the cloud images of MODIS 250 m. Then, the OT is statistically analyzed in a long time series. It is found that OT events are mainly concentrated in equatorial and low latitude regions, with higher frequency in summer. There are obvious differences between OT events on land and sea. Additionally, this dataset also reveals the close connection between the seasonal shift of OT and the seasonal average precipitation distribution around the globe. This study provides a scientific basis for determining the geographical characteristics of OT frequency and explores the application of this OT objective detection algorithm in the operational forecast of strong convective weather. We hope this study can benefit OT monitoring in operational weather forecasting.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Precipitation in Different Seasons in Heilongjiang Province from 1954 to 2013

This paper intends to provide data as reference basis for Heilongjiang Provinces’ optimization of precipitation forecast and the resource allocation. The precipitation characteristics of Heilongjiang Province from 1954-2013 (60 years) were studied by Mann-Kendall rank order correlation test, mutation test, linear trend analysis, and Kriging interpolation combined with GIS analysis. The results show that the overall trend of precipitation in Heilongjiang Province from 1954 to 2013 was decreasing, but the results of segmental analysis show that the trend has been increasing since 1980, and the spatial distribution was characterized by high in the east and low in the west, with the precipitation center in the middle; the seasonal average precipitation gradually increased from east to west, and the precipitation was mainly concentrated in summer, accounting for 63.47% of the year. The annual precipitation was mainly light rainfall, but the difference with the medium rain was not large, both about 35%.

Landscape‐Scale Plant Water Content and Carbon Flux Behavior Following Moisture Pulses: From Dryland to Mesic Environments

AbstractRain pulses followed by interstorm drying periods are the fundamental units of water input into ecosystems on subweekly time scales. It is essential to understand landscape‐scale vegetation responses on these unit time scales as they may describe sensitivity of landscape water, carbon, and energy cycles to shifts in rainfall intensity and frequency, even if the average seasonal precipitation remains unchanged. Because pulse investigations are primarily carried out in drylands, little is known about the characteristics and extent of ecosystem plant pulse responses across the broader range of climates and biomes. Using satellite‐based plant water content (from vegetation optical depth) and plant carbon uptake observations from eddy covariance towers across the continental United States climate gradient (dry to humid), we characterize large‐scale plant carbon and water uptake responses to rain pulses during spring and summer months. We find that while all ecosystems in the study region show discernable plant water content and carbon flux responses to rain pulses, drier ecosystems exhibit more frequent and longer duration responses. Unlike mesic environments, drylands show significantly different responses under varying antecedent soil moisture and pulse magnitude conditions; the largest water and carbon uptakes follow large pulses on initially wet soils. We detect soil moisture thresholds primarily in drylands, which can partly explain dryland vegetation's different responses under dry and wet conditions. We conclude that vegetation responds to individual pulses of water availability across all climates and therefore a range of ecosystems are sensitive to rainfall distributions beyond simple seasonal precipitation totals.

Analysis of Climate Change Trend in the Lower Kaski District of Nepal

Climate change is considered as the most critical global challenge of the century. Unusual precipitation pattern and outflanking of hydraulic structures frequently reported these days in the Kaski district of Nepal. This research aimed to analyze the trend of climate change in the lower Kaski using annual and seasonal weather data (2001-2017) of five meteorological stations out of which three on the upper tropical region, one on the sub-tropical region and the other one on the temperate region. Individual trend analysis was performed for rainfall and temperature patterns using Mann-Kendell test. Trend analysis for seasonal average precipitation shows an increasing trend for winter and pre-monsoon seasons and a decreasing trend for monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. In contrast, overall annual precipitation shows a decreasing trend. An increasing trend was found for maximum seasonal temperature for all seasons except pre-monsoon season. The seasonal minimum temperature shows a growing trend and overall annual trends for both the maximum and minimum temperatures were also increasing. All of these trends are the evidence of climatic changes that are happening over time. Additionally, a comparative study was conducted between a meteorological station and a locally established manual station. The differences in the numeric values of cumulative rainfall with comparable precipitation readings suggest the need to take into account local station data for design, construction, and planning of hydraulic structures.

Hydrological effects of resource-access road crossings on boreal forested peatlands

Resource-access road crossings are expected to alter peatland hydrological properties by obstructing surface and sub-surface water flows. We conducted a multi-year study at two boreal peatlands – a forested bog and a shrubby rich fen near Peace River, Alberta – to study the impacts of resource access roads on the hydrology of adjacent peatland. Field measurements (bi-weekly depth to water table and hydraulic head, one-time hydraulic conductivity) during the growing seasons (May-August) of 2016 and 2017 were taken from sampling plots representing: 1) sides of the road (upstream and downstream); 2) distance from the road (obstruction); and 3) distance from culverts. Compared to the growing season average precipitation for the region of 1.8 mm d−1, the study period had very wet conditions in 2016 (3.7 mm d−1) and dry conditions in 2017 (1.1 mm d−1).In contrast to our assumptions, resource access road disturbed the surface and sub-surface water flow at the bog, but the effect was minimal at the fen as the road orientation was nearly parallel to the flow direction at the latter. At the bog, the shallowest depth to water table position was observed at upstream areas closer to the road, when culverts were located >20 m distance from transects. In contrast, when culverts were present <2 m from the transects, variation in hydrological conditions between upstream and downstream areas were greatly reduced. Our work shows road effects on peatland hydrology could be minimized by aligning roads parallel to the water flow direction when possible. If water flow is perpendicular to the road, adequate spacing and installation of culverts could help to reduce flow obstruction.

Expanding the Isotopic Toolbox to Track Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Origins and Migration: On the Utility of Stable Oxygen Isotope (δ18O) Measurements

The measurement of naturally occurring stable hydrogen (δ2H) and carbon (δ13C) isotopes in wings of the eastern North American monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) have proven useful to infer natal origins of individuals overwintering in Mexico. This approach has provided a breakthrough for monarch conservation because it is the only viable means of inferring origins at continental scales. Recently, routine simultaneous analyses of tissue δ2H and δ18O of organic materials has emerged leading to questions of whether the dual measurement of these isotopes could be used to more accurately infer spatial origins even though the two isotopes are expected to be coupled due to the meteoric relationship. Such refinement would potentially increase the accuracy of isotopic assignment of wintering monarchs to natal origin. We measured a sample of 150 known natal-origin monarchs from throughout their eastern range simultaneously for both δ2H and δ18O wing values. Wing δ2H and δ18O values were correlated (r2=0.42). We found that wing δ2H values were more closely correlated with amount-weighted growing season average precipitation δ2H values predicted for natal sites (r2=0.61) compared to the relationship between wing δ18O values and amount-weighted growing season average precipitation δ18O values (r2=0.30). This suggests that monarch wing δ2H values will be generally more useful in natal assignments than δ18O values. Spatial information related to the use of deuterium excess in environmental waters was similarly found to be not useful when applied to monarch wings likely due to the considerable variance in wing δ18O values. Nonetheless, we recommend further testing of monarch wing δ2H and δ18O values from known natal sites with an emphasis on field data across a strong gradient in precipitation deuterium excess.

How Can Cities Respond to Flood Disaster Risks under Multi-Scenario Simulation? A Case Study of Xiamen, China.

Flood disasters often have serious impacts on cities. Disaster prevention and mitigation schemes for flood disasters must be based on risk assessment. We constructed an indicator system for flood disaster risk assessment from the aspects of hazard factors, sensitivity to the environment, disaster vulnerability, flood disaster prevention, and resilience. Then we add the precipitation factor as a scenario parameter to the assessment of flood disasters, in order to assess the flood disaster risk under annual average precipitation scenarios, multi-year flood season average precipitation scenarios, and large typhoon precipitation scenarios. Xiamen is one of the cities with more serious flood disasters. We select Xiamen as an example and refer to existing indicators of flood disaster assessment. The results show that: (1) the coefficient of variation of flood disasters in Xiamen under the impact of large-scale typhoon precipitation is large; (2) the drainage and flood control capacity of Xiamen is generally insufficient, and the risk in the old city is high; (3) there are many flood-prone locations in Xiamen. Underpass interchanges, underground spaces, and urban villages have become the new key areas for flood control; and (4) the flood risk in the northern mountainous areas of Xiamen is the highest. Based on the assessment results, we further delineate the urban flood control zones and propose corresponding countermeasures. The study expands the research on flood disaster risk assessment, and also provides reference for relevant cities to deal with flood disasters.

Pollen Rupture and Its Impact on Precipitation in Clean Continental Conditions

AbstractPollen grains emitted from vegetation can rupture, releasing subpollen particles (SPPs) as fine atmospheric particulates. Previous laboratory research demonstrates potential for SPPs as efficient cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). We develop the first model of atmospheric pollen grain rupture and implement the mechanism in regional climate model simulations over spring pollen season in the United States with a CCN‐dependent moisture scheme. The source of SPPs (surface or in‐atmosphere) depends on region and sometimes season, due to the distribution of relative humidity and rain. Simulated concentrations of SPPs are approximately 1–10 or 1–1,000 cm−3, depending on the number of SPPs produced per pollen grain (nspg). Lower nspg (103) produces a negligible effect on precipitation, but high nspg (106) in clean continental CCN background concentrations (100 CCN per cubic centimeter) shows that SPPs suppress average seasonal precipitation by 32% and shift rates from heavy to light while increasing dry days. This effect is smaller (2% reduction) for polluted air.

Temporal and spatial variation of precipitation in the Hengduan Mountains region in China and its relationship with elevation and latitude

The temporal and spatial variations in precipitation, and the relationships between precipitation and elevation/latitude are analyzed. The following results are derived from the analysis: (1) Unimodal and bimodal precipitation regimes are observed for 19 and 11 stations, respectively, of which the Type 1 and Type 2 bimodal precipitation regime is observed for three and eight stations, respectively. The primary flood season of the Type 1 bimodal precipitation regime is around July, except for Gongshan station that is relatively long flood season. The primary flood season of the Type 2 bimodal precipitation regime is around June. The precipitation peaks are negatively correlated with latitude/elevation for each bimodal precipitation regime. (2) Basically similar spatial distributions are observed for the annual and seasonal average precipitation — the southern part of the Hengduan Mountains region experiences relatively high precipitation, whereas the central and northeastern parts experience relatively low precipitation; in addition, the precipitation trends are nonsignificant for most of the stations. A decreasing trend is observed for the annual, summer and drought season precipitation for most of the stations located in the area south of 28°N, whereas an increasing trend is observed for most of the stations located in other areas. Most stations experience an increasing in spring precipitation, and in autumn, the opposite is observed. A decreasing trend is observed for winter precipitation for most of the stations except for the northeastern part of the study area. An increasing trend is observed for precipitation in the rain season for most of the stations except for the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. Significantly negative correlations are observed between the annual and seasonal with relatively high precipitation (summer, autumn and the rain season) average precipitation and elevation/latitude (3) Negative correlations, mostly significant, are evident between the standard deviations of the annual, seasonal and monthly precipitation and elevation/latitude.

Estimating nitrate-nitrogen retention in a large constructed wetland using high-frequency, continuous monitoring and hydrologic modeling

Wetlands are an effective edge-of-field conservation practice for reducing agricultural nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) loads, but their removal performance varies with hydrologic conditions and other factors difficult to capture with traditional grab sampling schemes. We quantified NO3-N retention in a large Iowa constructed wetland using high-frequency (15-min) in situ NO3-N sensors and a physically-based hydrologic model that estimated discharge. Monitoring from May–Nov over a 3-yr period (2014–16) indicated the wetland reduced incoming NO3-N concentrations 49% and loads by an estimated 61 kg day−1 (0.48 g m−2 day−1 based on wetland area removal). Monthly and seasonal (May–Nov) wetland retention performance were significantly influenced by hydrologic conditions, as NO3-N concentration reductions ranged from 23% in a year that received nearly 50% more seasonal precipitation than average (2016) to 59–65% in years that received average seasonal precipitation (2014–15). On a monthly basis, NO3-N mass retention was highest in Jun when NO3-N loading was highest, while retention efficiency – the percent of the incoming NO3-N load retained by the wetland – was highest in Jul and Aug when water temperature and hydraulic residence time were higher. The high-frequency monitoring captured NO3-N dynamics not possible with lower-frequency sampling. Extrapolating the May–Nov 3-yr average wetland NO3-N retention estimated in this study to a much larger scale, over 5600 wetlands treating more than 60% of Iowa’s area and totaling an estimated $1.5 billion in design and construction would be required to reduce the state’s baseline NO3-N load by 45%, indicating the sizable investment in wetland construction and restoration needed to achieve Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia water quality goals.

The changes of surface and ground water level on the effect of regulated outflow

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the variability of the levels of surface and ground water in the Ochożanka basin. The depth at which the ground water table occurred was studied with reference to the adopted land drainage standards. The studies were carried out in 2009/2010–2014/2015 for natural and regulated water outflows. The analysis of annual total precipitation in the analyzed period some years were very wet (2009/2010 and 2013/2014), some of them were wet (2010/2011, 2012/2013), one year was dry (2014/2015) and one year was normal (2011/2012). The six-year average seasonal precipitation amounted to 593 mm, which was 66 mm higher than average precipitation recorded in 30 years. Under regulated outflow conditions the level of water in the river ranged from 55 to 77 cm. The level of water under natural outflow ranged from 18 to 49 cm. In the area with regulated outflow the average ground water level was 47 cm. In the remaining area of drainage system ground water level was 67 cm. Also, the dynamics of variance in the water level under natural outflow conditions was clearly higher.

Austral summer Southern Africa precipitation extremes forced by the El Niño-Southern oscillation and the subtropical Indian Ocean dipole

Southern Africa, defined here as the African continent south of 15°S latitude, is prone to seasonal precipitation extremes during December–March that have profound effects on large populations of people. The intensity of summertime precipitation extremes can be remarkable, with wet seasons experiencing up to a doubling of the seasonal average precipitation. Recognizing the importance of understanding the causes of Southern Africa precipitation extremes for the purpose of improved early warning, an 80-member ensemble of atmospheric model simulations forced by observed time-varying boundary conditions during 1979–2016 is used to examine the mechanisms by which December–March precipitation extremes are delivered to Southern Africa and whether the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole (SIOD) modify the probabilities of extreme seasonal precipitation occurrences. The model simulations reveal that the synchronous ENSO and SIOD phasing conditions the probability of December–March extreme precipitation occurrences. The probability of extreme wet seasons is greatly increased by La Nina, especially so when combined with a positive SIOD, and greatly decreased by El Nino regardless of SIOD phasing. By contrast, the probability of extreme dry seasons is increased by El Nino and is decreased by La Nina. The mechanisms by which extreme precipitation are delivered are the same regardless of ENSO and SIOD phase. Extreme wet seasons are a result of an anomalous lower tropospheric cyclone over Southern Africa that increases convergence and moisture fluxes into the region while extreme dry seasons are a result of an anomalous lower tropospheric anticyclone that decreases convergence and moisture fluxes into the region.

СТАТИСТИЧЕСКИЕ СВЯЗИ СЕЗОННЫХ ОСАДКОВ ВОСТОЧНОГО КАЗАХСТАНА С ВЫСОТНЫМИ БАРИЧЕСКИМИ ПОЛЯМИ И ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАМИ ЦИРКУЛЯЦИИ АТМОСФЕРЫ

During the warm period of year the physics – statistical forecasting models of this size allows to develop identification of synchronous and asynchronous correlative communications of seasonal rainfall with various characteristics of circulation of the atmosphere.The main goal of the study is to evaluate and compare the synchronous and asynchronous statistical relationships of mean seasonal precipitation in Eastern Kazakhstan with the baric fields at the grid nodes of the Northern Hemisphere and the circulation characteristics. Such characteristics were taken: the index of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the number of days with circulation types according to M.Kh. Baidal, which can be used in physical and&nbsp;statistical forecast models. Physical and statistical forecast models of different weather characteristics areoften created on the basis of linear multiple regression equations that contain a certain set of predictors.The physical aspect of selecting predictors for the multiple regression equation in precipitation predictionproblems is quite diverse. Such relationships are often established by calculating the correlationcoefficients between the predicted value and the predictors included in the regression equation thathave a significant correlation relationship. In the study, the correlation of averaged over the territory ofseasonal precipitation in the east of Kazakhstan with different circulation characteristics was evaluated.The average averaged seasonal precipitation amounts averaged over the territory of East Kazakhstan accordingto the classes «less than the norm», «norm» and «above the norm» were done, the frequency ofeach class was determined and a catalog of years with an excess of seasonal precipitation exceeding 1.2Sx was compiled.

СТАТИСТИЧЕСКАЯ СТРУКТУРА И ТЕНДЕНЦИИ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ СЕЗОННЫХ СУММ ОСАДКОВ НА ВОСТОКЕ КАЗАХСТАНА В 1970– 2015 ГГ.

The character of tendencies of change of the average seasonal sums of rainfall in the extensive territory of Kazakhstan can be various and it is essential to influence and even to change the republic structure of sown areas. The main objective of the study is to evaluate and compare statistical characteristics, as well as trends in the changes in average seasonal precipitation over the past decades. The average seasonal values of precipitation sums for spring, first and second half of summer were calculated for six stations in East Kazakhstan, the variability characteristics – mean square deviations (CAO) and coefficients of variation were calculated and analyzed. The characteristics of the normal distribution of the average seasonal sums of precipitation (asymmetry and kurtosis coefficients) have been estimated,&nbsp;histograms of precipitation sums for the above seasons at the Ayaguz, Bakhty, Katon-Karagai, Pavlodar,Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk and averaged over the eastern Kazakhstan seasonal precipitation. The trendsof these amounts change for each of the above stations and for precipitation averaged over the territoryof East Kazakhstan are determined. Trends in seasonal precipitation in spring, in the first and second halfof summer for individual stations, indicate a significant and insignificant increase in seasonal precipitation,and averaged over the territory of seasonal amounts – for significant growth in recent decades inall the considered seasons of the warm period of the year. This is also indicated by the annual amount ofprecipitation, which increased during the period under study.

Climate change over Leh (Ladakh), India

Mountains over the world are considered as the indicators of climate change. The Himalayas are comprised of five ranges, viz., Pir Panjal, Great Himalayas, Zanskar, Ladhak, and Karakorum. The Ladakh region lies in the northernmost state of India, Jammu and Kashmir, in the Ladhak range. It has a unique cold-arid climate and lies immediately south of the Karakorum range. With scarce water resources, such regions show high sensitivity and vulnerability to the change in climate and need urgent attention. The objective of this study is to understand the climate of the Ladakh region and to characterize its changing climate. Using different temperature and precipitation datasets over Leh and surrounding regions, we statistically analyze the current trends of climatic patterns over the region. The study shows that the climate over Leh shows a warming trend with reduced precipitation in the current decade. The reduced average seasonal precipitation might also be associated with some indications of reducing number of days with higher precipitation amounts over the region.

Is the global atmospheric model MRI-AGCM3.2 better than the CMIP5 atmospheric models in simulating precipitation over East Asia?

The reproducibility of precipitation over East Asia (110–150°E, 20–50°N) by the Meteorological Research Institute-Atmospheric General Circulation Model version 3.2 (MRI-AGCM3.2) was investigated and compared with those by global atmospheric models participated in the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The 20, 60 and 180-km grid size version of this model were used to evaluate the dependence of model performance on horizontal resolution. The dependence of cumulus convection scheme on model performance was also investigated. All the MRI-AGCM3.2 models and the CMIP5 models were forced with observed historical sea surface temperatures for the period 1979–2003 (25 years). The reproducibility of the MRI-AGCM3.2 models is higher or comparable to that of the CMIP5 models for seasonal average precipitation, the seasonal March of rainy zone and extreme precipitation events. Especially in summer, the advantage of the MRI-AGCM3.2 models over the CMIP5 models is striking in terms of various skill measures. This is partly due to the higher horizontal resolution of the MRI-AGCM3.2 models, but the performance of models is also sensitive to and depends on cumulus convection scheme. The better simulation of summer precipitation over East Asia by the MRI-AGCM3.2 models can be partly attributed to the better simulation of precipitation, the West Pacific Subtropical High and the local Hadley circulation in the tropics. This study highlights that higher reproducibility of summertime precipitation over East Asia requires proper simulation not only for tropical circulation but also for the strong dynamical linkage between precipitation over East Asia and tropical circulation.