Precipitation extremes in the wettest Mediterranean region (Krivosije) and associated atmospheric circulation types

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse indices of extreme precipitation in Krivosije, Montenegro, the wettest Mediterranean region, from the period 1951-2007 and their relationships with atmospheric circulation using 'SynopVis Grosswetterlagen' (SVG) series. Data from two stations were analysed, namely Crkvice (42A degrees 34 ' N and 18A degrees 39 ' E) and Herceg Novi (42A degrees 27 ' N and 18A degrees 31 ' E). Four indices of precipitation extremes (SDII, R75p, R95p, R95pTOT) were assessed including number of dry days. The results suggest that the number of days with precipitation decreased. To analyse the relationship between extreme precipitation events and circulation types we have used an efficiency coefficient (E-c). Regarding relation to atmospheric circulation, westerly, southwesterly and northwesterly circulation types with anticyclonic features over Central Europe are more frequent for dry days (days with R lt 1.0 mm) and northerly, easterly and southerly types for wet and very wet days (R75p and R95p indices). The types with cyclonic condition over Central Europe show a large proportion of wet and very wet days. Also, activity of Genoa cyclogenesis and orographic influence over a small area are the main reasons for the high precipitation amounts recorded in the Krivosije region (Crkvice).