CR 46:51-65 (2011)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00977

ABSTRACT: This work provides a first assessment of the outstanding characteristics of the anomalous precipitation occurrence in the winter of 2010 over the Iberian Peninsula, as well as on the associated atmospheric driving mechanisms. Large areas of Iberia, those located in the western and southern sectors, registered a new historical maximum in winter precipitation values. Simultaneously, the most extreme, negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index for winter was recorded in 2010. The anomalous pressure gradient in the North Atlantic region steered a large number of low pressure systems via an unusually southern path, directly influencing Iberia and northern Africa. Storms were frequent, and a high number of days occurred with weather types prone to cause precipitation. In addition, the most extreme daily precipitation episodes were recorded during the period with the strongest negative NAO index. Global climate models for the entire 21st century show that strong negative NAO winters, similar to that which occurred in 2010, may be expected in the future.

KEY WORDS: North Atlantic Oscillation · Extreme events · Natural hazards · Atmospheric circulation · Climate change

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Cite this article as: Vicente-Serrano SM, Trigo RM, López-Moreno JI, Liberato MLR and others (2011) Extreme winter precipitation in the Iberian Peninsula in 2010: anomalies, driving mechanisms and future projections. Clim Res 46:51-65. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00977 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn