Influence of Eurasian Spring Snowmelt on Surface Air Temperature in Late Spring and Early Summer

The effect of Eurasian spring snowmelt on surface air temperature (SAT) in late spring (April-May) and early summer (June-July) and the relevant physical mechanisms during 1981-2016 are investigated. Results show that the first mode of the interannual Eurasian spring snowmelt represents an east-west dipole anomaly pattern, with an intense center over Siberia and another moderate center around eastern Europe. The European spring snowmelt shows an insignificant relation to the local SAT, whereas the Siberian spring snowmelt has a significant impact on the SAT in late spring and early summer. More Siberian spring snowmelt contributes to higher SAT in late spring and lower SAT in early summer via different mechanisms. In late spring, increased Siberian spring snowmelt corresponds to less local surface albedo and cloud cover, leading to the surface absorbing more shortwave radiation and thereby higher SAT. The subsurface and deep soil moisture anomalies generated from Siberian spring snowmelt can persist into early summer. Excessive Siberian spring snowmelt corresponds to positive soil moisture anomalies, contributing to decreased sensible heat and increased cloud cover in early summer. Increased cloud cover leads to the surface receiving less shortwave radiation. Thus, lower SAT appears over Siberia in early summer due to reduced sensible heat and shortwave radiation. However, the simulation of Eurasian spring snowmelt variability and its influences on SAT via the snow hydrological effect is still a challenge for the climate models that participated in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project.

Automated summary

The study examines the impact of Eurasian spring snowmelt on surface air temperature in late spring and early summer, finding that Siberian spring snowmelt has a significant influence. Increased Siberian spring snowmelt leads to higher late spring SAT and lower early summer SAT through changes in surface albedo, cloud cover, soil moisture, and sensible heat. The simulation of Eurasian spring snowmelt variability and its effects on SAT remains a challenge for climate models.