Influence of monsoon extreme rainfall on the distribution of upper tropospheric humidity

Abstract

AbstractThis study focuses on the changes in the upper tropospheric humidity (UTH) associated with two different extreme precipitation conditions for the period 2000–2019 over the Indian summer monsoon region. The analysis embodies UTH datasets derived from microwave sounders on‐board NOAA and MetOp‐A polar‐orbiting satellites. The circulation characteristics in the upper troposphere are studied using the high‐resolution ERA5 reanalysis data. The analysis of UTH variability over the Indian region shows a unique positive (negative) UTH anomaly patch extending from northwestern regions of India to the northern Arabian Sea for the enhanced (deficient) rainfall days over central India during the southwest monsoon period. The investigation reveals that deep convection alone does not impact the UTH variability. Rather the circulation in the upper troposphere also plays a crucial role in UTH distribution. The dynamics in the upper troposphere cause large‐scale dispersal of both wet and dry air in the upper troposphere, which is linked to the strengthening/weakening of Asian monsoon anticyclone. The study indicates that monsoon extremes exhibit a distinct moisture distribution pattern in the upper troposphere, influenced by upper‐level dynamics, which are associated with the intensity of the Asian monsoon anticyclone.