Fig. 7: Rainfall is related to SPCZ temperature. | Communications Earth & Environment

Fig. 7: Rainfall is related to SPCZ temperature.

From: Rainfall variability increased with warming in northern Queensland, Australia, over the past 280 years

Fig. 7: Rainfall is related to SPCZ temperature.The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

Monthly correlation (r) of HadlSST1 (1870-1984) with summer (DJFMA) rainfall at Jeannie River (blue star) in preceding September (a), preceding November (b), and concurrent February (c). Positive SST correlation with Queensland rainfall builds in the preceding Aug–Dec and moves toward the coast through the austral spring. Positive rainfall correlation with SST breaks down in austral summer and fall. North Queensland rainfall is negatively correlated with central tropical Pacific SST, i.e., the region is wetter in more ‘La-Niña’-like years. Green hexagon is New Caledonia, green triangles are Fiji, Tonga, and Rarotonga (from west to east). Figure made using KNMI Climate Explorer66. www.climexp.knmi.nl.

Back to article page