Teleconnection patterns of the Siberian Anticyclone and precipitation over Cyprus

The Siberian Anticyclone (SA) is one of the dominant cold season synoptic systems of the northern hemisphere. The effects of the SA on the areas over which it appears to reside on synoptic maps are well established. This study examines the impacts that the SA has on local climate in areas far beyond the area of its domination. The existence of any teleconnection patterns derived from the SA sea level pressure (SLP) characteristics and their relation to precipitation over Cyprus are examined. Four indices were created describing the characteristics (behavior) of the SA (strength and geographical displacement). In an attempt to identify possible relations between precipitation, on the one hand, and the SA indices, on the other hand, a network of 32 rain gauge stations in Cyprus, both coastal and inland, was carefully selected to cover the whole island. The pressure field of the SA was found to affect the precipitation of each month differently. The results are consistent for each case and it was found that the geographical location of each station plays an important role. All four indices were found to be related to precipitation.