Effect of large-scale modes of total variability of the atmosphere and ocean in the Atlantic-European region on the climate of Belarus

Abstract

We have established the relationships of quasicyclic components in changes of air temperature and precipitation in Belarus with large-scale modes of general variability of the atmosphere and ocean in the Atlantic-European region. When the summer air temperature changes in Belarus and in Eastern Europe, a quasi-60-year oscillation is identified, which coincides in phase with the Atlantic multi-decadal oscillation. It is shown that the time series of winter air temperature in Belarus contain a quasi-8-year component synchronized with a similar component of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Moreover, the periods of acceleration and deceleration of winter warming in Belarus coincide with the upward and downward quasi-30-year phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation, respectively. The latter are also consistent with fluctuations in moisture content in Belarus and Europe. Based on the established patterns, we have concluded that the rapid rise in winter temperatures, slowing down of summer warming and deterioration in water supply in the southern regions of Belarus observed in the last decade are part of a natural cycle lasting about 30 years, developing against the background of a long-term trend of anthropogenic global warming.