Recurrent Rossby Wave Packets Modulate the Persistence of Dry and Wet Spells Across the Globe

Abstract

Persistent dry and wet spells can arise from stationary weather situations or recurrent flow patterns and result in significant socio-economic impacts. Here, we study the effects of recurrent synoptic-scale transient Rossby wave packets (RRWPs) on the persistence of dry and wet spells using the ERA-Interim reanalysis data. RRWPs significantly alter (decrease and increase) dry and wet spell persistence across the globe. Spatial patterns of statistically significant links between RRWPs and spell durations arise from the superposition of a zonally symmetric component and a wave-like component that is modulated by local factors such as orography and the position relative to major moisture sources. The zonally symmetric component is apparent during the Northern Hemisphere winter and dominates the Southern Hemisphere signal in winter and summer. The wave-like component appears primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, changes its wavenumber with the season and is thus, conceivably related to stationary wave dynamics.