Changes in the Characteristics of Dry and Wet Periods in Europe (1851–2015)

Abstract

This study spanning the period 1851–2015 explores the spatial and temporal characteristics of dry and wet periods in Europe as well as their variability and changes. It is based on up to 220 stations with monthly precipitation time series that have a varying data availability within the study period. The stations are classified into eight regions with similar climate characteristics. Dry and wet periods are analyzed using the decile method as well as the modified Rainfall Anomaly Index mRAI at the 3-month timescale. Spatial extent, duration, and frequency of dry and wet periods show a large multi-decadal variability resulting in comparatively small long-term trends over the entirety of Europe for the study periods 1901–2015 and 1951–2015. Nonetheless, several sub-regions show distinct changes—with opposite signals for northern and southern Europe. Spatial extent and duration of dry periods generally decreased, while wet periods show increases throughout the 20th century—particularly in Scandinavia. A simultaneous increase in the frequency of severely dry and wet years, respectively, is observed since the 1980s. This indicates that temperature increases across Europe may be connected with an increasing frequency of extremes at both sides of the probability density function of precipitation.