Using large ensemble modelling to derive future changes in mountain specific climate indicators in a 2 and 3°C warmer world in High Mountain Asia

Natural disasters in High Mountain Asia (HMA) are largely induced by precipitation and temperatures extremes. Precipitation extremes will change due to global warming, but these low frequency events are difficult to analyse using (short) observed time series. In this study, we analysed large 2000 year ensembles of present day climate and of a 2 and 3 degrees C warmer world produced with the EC-Earth model. We performed a regional assessment of climate indicators related to temperature and precipitation (positive degree days, accumulated precipitation, [pre- and post-] monsoon precipitation), their sensitivity to temperature change and the change in return periods of extreme temperature and precipitation in a 2 and 3 degrees C warmer climate. In general, the 2 degrees C warmer world shows a homogeneous response of changes in climate indicators and return periods, while distinct differences between regions are present in a 3 degrees C warmer world and changes no longer follow a general trend. This non-linear effect can indicate the presence of a tipping point in the climate system. The most affected regions are located in monsoon-dominated regions, where precipitation amounts, positive degree days, extreme temperature, extreme precipitation and compound events are projected to increase the most. Largest changes in climate indicators are found in East Himalaya, followed by the Hindu Kush and West and Central Himalaya regions. Western regions will experience drier summers and wetter winters, while monsoon dominated regions drier winters and wetter summers and northern regions a wetter climate year round. We also found that precipitation increases in HMA in a 3 degrees C warmer world are substantially larger (13%) compared to the global average (5.9%). Additionally, the increase in weather extremes will exacerbate natural hazards with large possible impacts for mountain communities. The results of this study could provide important guidance for formulating climate change adaptation strategies in HMA.

Automated summary

Natural disasters in High Mountain Asia are mostly induced by precipitation and temperature extremes. Global warming is expected to increase precipitation extremes, with different regions showing varying responses and trends.