Changes of atmospheric circulation in central Europe and their influence on climatic trends in the Czech Republic
Abstract
This work deals with the influence of changes in atmospheric circulation on observed trends of 11 climatic elements at 21 stations in the Czech Republic in 1961–1998. Atmospheric circulation in central Europe is described by the German (Hess-Brezowsky) and Czech-Slovak (Brádka’s) subjective catalogues of synoptic types.
In the study period there is a strong downward trend in the occurrence of anticyclonic types in Brádka’s catalogue in all seasons, mostly in autumn. Westerly and northwesterly types become more frequent in autumn and winter, less frequent in spring and summer under both catalogues.
Changes in atmospheric circulation are the primary cause of massive winter warming and autumn cooling, which is connected with increasing precipitation and humidity. Summer climate trends are unrelated to circulation changes.
Simultaneous use of more classifications for the detection of climatic changes is highly recommended, as the long-term circulation trends depend on the catalogue used.