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Abstract In this study, fifth major global reanalysis produced by ECMWF (ERA5) reanalysis data from 1979 to 2022 were utilized to investigate extreme precipitation in the central Asian high mountain (CAHM) region, comprising the Pamir Plateau and western, central, and eastern Tianshan regions. This study found that westerlies and monsoons are the primary drivers of extreme precipitation, with distinct mechanisms in the southwestern and northeastern CAHM (divided at approximately 79°E). In the southwestern CAHM, a weak Indian summer monsoon (ISM) leads to negative potential height anomalies, enhancing meridional water vapor flux from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, thereby increasing precipitation. Conversely, extreme precipitation is associated with the negative phase of the Silk Road pattern in the northeastern CAHM. While the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) plays a lesser role, it influences water vapor supplies and atmospheric circulation in the southwestern CAHM and modulate meridional wind position in the northeastern CAHM with the ISM, contributing to extreme precipitation. Seasonal analysis revealed May as the peak for extreme precipitation in the southwestern CAHM region, while extreme precipitation in the northeastern CAHM region peaked in the midmonsoon months (June and July) due to the synergy between monsoons and westerlies of different strengths passing through the CAHM. Significance Statement This study explores the occurrence and mechanisms of extreme precipitation in CAHM and explores their four key regions’ water vapor transport pathways during the monsoon period. CAHM has a sensitive and vulnerable ecosystem highlighting the importance of understanding their processes, including the roles of westerlies and monsoons. This is crucial for detecting abnormal water cycles under climate change, such as flood prevention, and enhancing mountain weather forecasting abilities for the monsoon period.
Zhao et al. (Fri,) studied this question.