Winds Bring Winter Rain to Eastern Arabia

A recent KAUST study has found that shifts in atmospheric wind patterns, driven by changes in sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific, are influencing winter rainfall across the Arabian Peninsula. This shift, linked to the El Niño phenomenon, has resulted in increased rainfall in eastern Arabia and decreased rainfall in the south since the 1980s.

The research team, led by Ibrahim Hoteit, analyzed rainfall data from 1951 to 2010 and found a 25-30% increase in winter rainfall over eastern regions, while areas in the south and northeast saw reductions of 10-20%. This change in rainfall patterns is connected to warmer central Pacific waters, which have altered the position of the westerly jet streams, bringing more rain to the eastern side of the Peninsula.

These findings could improve long-term rainfall predictions for the region, benefiting agriculture, water resources, and tourism sectors. The team plans to further explore the impact of climate drivers on extreme weather events and their implications for future livability.

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