A Synoptic Climatology of Low-Sun Precipitation in the Southeastern United States and Its Relationship to Teleconnections and Potential Biotic Impacts

Low-Sun (October – March) precipitation in the Southeastern United States is increasing for many stations. Previous work has determined areas of the North Central Gulf Coast to be the highest positive precipitation anomaly in the Southeast for these months. Much of the increase can be attributed to teleconnections such as the established positive correlations of El Nino and low-sun precipitation on the Gulf Coast. Since teleconnection indices are monthly and the precipitation events are daily, a more detailed resolution is performed between day and month using a synoptic classification system. The Spatial Synoptic Classification System (SSC) is used in conjunction with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Pacific North American Pattern (PNA), and the Nino 1 and 2, Nino 3, Nino 4, and Nino 3.4 Sea Surface Temperature Indices. The variability, frequency, intensity, and duration of precipitation events is evaluated in the instrumental record from 1950 to present at 10 stations and divided into 3 spatial categories extending 200 miles inland. A possible relationship is explored between wetter and warmer low - sun months and the response of the insect population in the following high – sun months.