Wang et al. (2026) Precipitation Changes and Possible Mechanisms in the Global Arid Regions during the Last 40 Years

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Climate
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-08-06
• Authors: Chenghai Wang, Wentao Zhang, Feimin Zhang
• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-25-0615.1

Research Groups

• Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory (CGD)
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Short Summary

This study investigates precipitation changes in global arid regions over the last 40 years, analyzing possible mechanisms behind these trends. The research reveals a significant increase in precipitation extremes in dry regions.

Objective

• Investigate the relationship between temperature and precipitation changes in global arid regions

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Global arid regions (defined as areas with an annual average precipitation < 250 mm)
• Temporal Scale: Last 40 years (1981-2020)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: ERA5 reanalysis data, MSWEP V2 global gridded precipitation dataset
• Data sources: Satellite observations, gauge measurements

Main Results

• Precipitation extremes have increased in dry regions over the last 40 years
• A significant correlation between temperature and precipitation changes is observed
• The study suggests that increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures contributes to the increase in precipitation extremes

Contributions

• This research provides new insights into the relationship between temperature and precipitation changes in global arid regions, shedding light on the mechanisms driving these trends.

Funding

• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Citation

@article{Wang2026Precipitation,
  author = {Wang, Chenghai and Zhang, Wentao and Zhang, Feimin},
  title = {Precipitation Changes and Possible Mechanisms in the Global Arid Regions during the Last 40 Years},
  journal = {Journal of Climate},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1175/jcli-d-25-0615.1},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1175/jcli-d-25-0615.1}
}