On a Statistical Relationship between Autumn Rainfall in the Central Equatorial Pacific and Subsequent Winter Precipitation in Florida

Abstract

A statistical relationship is found to exist between autumn rainfall in the central equatorial Pacific and subsequent winter precipitation in the southern United States. In a case study, it was found that wet winters in south-central Florida are generally associated with warm water events along the equator, while dry conditions are more commonly associated with cold water events in the eastern tropical Pacific. Some suggestions are offered concerning the physical mechanisms responsible for this distant teleconnection. Abstract A statistical relationship is found to exist between autumn rainfall in the central equatorial Pacific and subsequent winter precipitation in the southern United States. In a case study, it was found that wet winters in south-central Florida are generally associated with warm water events along the equator, while dry conditions are more commonly associated with cold water events in the eastern tropical Pacific. Some suggestions are offered concerning the physical mechanisms responsible for this distant teleconnection.