Prevailing Climate Patterns for Concurrent High Temperature and Low Precipitation Days in Canada

In this work, we evaluated the changing frequency of concurrent daily High Temperature and Low Precipitation (HTLP) and its relationship with large-scale climate patterns across Canada. Our analysis showed a significant increase (up to 3 days/decade) in the Canadian Arctic and southern regions of British Columbia and an insignificant decrease in HTLP frequency in the Prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba during 1979–2018. We examined ten large-scale climate patterns influencing precipitation and temperature in Canada. Among these, four climate indices (the East Pacific-North Pacific Pattern, North Atlantic Oscillation, Oceanic Niño Index, and East Atlantic Pattern) were noted as significant influencers of HTLP frequency, ranked in descending order of influence. Our research holds significance in explaining the spatial dynamics of HTLP days and the role of large-scale climate patterns therein, providing valuable insights for future research on heatwaves and droughts, mitigation efforts, and policy changes tailored to vulnerable regions.

Subjects

concurrent extremes

high temperature events

large-scale climate patterns

low precipitation events

regional climate drivers

DDC Class

600: Technology

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Prevailing Climate Patterns for Concurrent High Temperature and Low Precipitation Days in Canada