Mild weather changes over China during 1971–2014: Climatology, trends, and interannual variability

Abstract

While previous studies largely focus on extreme events, little is known about the behaviors of mild weather, a positive and pleasant condition occurring frequently, directly associated with outdoor activities, and highly relatable to the public. Here we examine the climatological characteristics and long-term trends of mild weather over China during 1971–2014, as well as the possible linkage with the El Niño−Southern Oscillation. It is found that, on average, China experiences 94.5 days (25.4% of all days) of mild weather in a year, and the annual number of mild days increased by 1.02% per decade (3.73 days per decade) during 1971–2014, especially in summer (1.54% per decade), spring (1.49% per decade), and autumn (1.03% per decade). We also find that most parts of China have been experiencing increasing mild weather in 1971–1998 but decreasing in 1998–2014. Clustering analysis reveals six subregions that exhibit distinct mild weather behaviors. In particular, harsh seasons (i.e., summer of southern China and winter of northern China) are becoming even less pleasant. Besides these secular trends, it is also noticed that El Niño event in the preceding winter is followed by less pleasant spring and summer and more pleasant autumn and winter in most areas of China. The results reported here have significant implications for urban planners and governmental policymakers.