Spatial-Temporal Variations in January Precipitation over the Period of 1950-2000 in Pakistan and Possible Links with Global Teleconnections: Geographical Perspective

Abstract

Empirical\rOrthogonal Function (EOF) was performed to investigate spatial variation in\rJanuary precipitation over Pakistan using ground observed mean monthly\rprecipitation data from 1950-2000 with a combination of gridded reanalysis data\rof sea level pressure (SLP) and 500 hPa geopotential height. The leading EOF\rmode captures 37.51% of the total variance and the spatial-temporal variability\rof January precipitation was consistent in the study area. The temporal changes\rexplicate non-periodic interannual variability and some tacit interdecadal\rvariation. The anomalous condition is more prominent along the western\rbordering mountains and northern high mountainous region than any other region\rof Pakistan. Based on results the study reveals spatial-temporal variation in\rJanuary precipitation and possible links with global teleconnections located\rboth in the proximity as well as in the remote areas from the study locus.