Comparative Analysis of Cold Events Over Central and Eastern China Associated with Arctic Warming in Early 2008 and 2016

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This study investigates the possible reasons for the cold events over central and eastern China (CEC) in early 2008 and 2016. The Arctic is dramatically warming, in particular over the Barents–Kara Seas region and notable cold events were observed over CEC although La Niña and El Niño events occurred in early 2008 and 2016, respectively. At the same time, the westerlies decelerated at middle latitudes and the Ural Mountains Blocking High and the Siberian High strengthened. Subsequent analyses indicate that the cold events and the related atmospheric circulation anomalies are closely associated with Arctic warming. Additionally, the cold (warm) phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation causes the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) to strengthen (weaken) and correspondingly intensify (mitigate) the cold events over CEC. In brief, the Arctic warming is superimposed on La Niña or El Niño events by thermal and dynamic processes, which impact the relevant atmospheric circulation and EAWM and then induce the cold events over CEC in early 2008 and 2016 although their intensity and coverage are also different to some extent.