Observed temperature and precipitation relationship across the United States analyzed at different timescales
Abstract
Recently, the National Climatic Data Center released the nClimDiv dataset, which is the most consistent for the contiguous United States to date. The data set includes monthly averages of precipitation, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and mean temperature data from 1895 to present. The data is available for geographic regions as well as nationally. Our research focuses on the regional dataset. We analyze the correlation and slope of average monthly maximum and minimum temperature at the inter-annual and decadal timescale in each season to determine which temperature variable has the strongest relationship with precipitation. Results from the selected regions and seasons show a warming trend in most regions of the United States at the decadal timescale, especially since the turn of the century. The “Warming Hole” in the southeast region results in net decreases in temperature from the first decadal period of the data set to the present; however, increases in temperatures over the past two decadal periods suggest this trend will reverse in the future. Precipitation levels seen in each region also affect the magnitude of warming or cooling seen in each region at the inter-annual and decadal timescale.
Citation
Meyer, Scott (2015). Observed temperature and precipitation relationship across the United States analyzed at different timescales. Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /164447.