Potential links between wintertime snow cover in central Europe and precipitation over the low‐latitude highlands of China in May

Abstract

Abstract This research describes a link between winter–springtime snow cover anomalies in central Europe and precipitation over the low‐latitude highlands of China (LLHC). Excessive snow cover over Europe and East Asia alters the meridional temperature gradient, which induces zonal wind anomalies at the 500 hPa level that impact the strength and position of subtropical streams. These anomalies persist until spring and result in a distinctive paired cyclonic–anticyclonic circulation pattern. Over Mongolia, the imposition of cyclonic circulation weakens the Mongolia High and reduces the potential southward flow of cold air that normally affects the LLHC during spring. Concurrently, the development of anticyclonic conditions over the LLHC weakens springtime precipitation in this area. This paired circulation system is verified by the linear baroclinic model, which also confirms that the observed linkage between snow cover and precipitation is not modulated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. This analysis affords new insight into the effects of snow cover on the subtropical stream and atmospheric circulations downwind.

Keywords

• low‐latitude highlands of China
• precipitation
• snow cover