Spatial and temporal variability of rainfall and climate trend over the Himalayas

Dr Bhuwan Bhatt
Researcher, Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen

The climatological features of rainfall are investigated over the Himalayas using observations and numerical model datasets. High-resolution datasets are used, with a special focus on the seasonal and diurnal cycles. The results shed light on rainfall variability under both present and projected future conditions. The observations reveal an afternoon maximum of rainfall during the pre-monsoon season and midnight–early morning maximum during the summer monsoon season over the southern slopes of the Himalayas. The data also shows that the morning rainfall moves southward from the high Himalayas in the summer monsoon season. The reanalysis reveals a robust diurnal cycle of the atmospheric system that is coherent with the diurnal cycle of rainfall around the southern slopes of the Himalayas.

Results from high-resolution regional climate simulations for present and future time periods will also be presented. Under projected future conditions, no significant changes in the diurnal cycle occur. The results suggest modest changes in diurnal rainfall under RCP8.5 emission scenario, as evidenced by an increase in afternoon rainfall over the Himalayas.

Dr Bhuwan Bhatt is an accomplished climatologist at Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen, and is involved in a number of projects investigating the climate change and variability over the Himalayas. He has extensive experience in regional climate dynamics, regional downscaling and analysis.

All are welcome!