Accelerated Transition Between Dry and Wet Periods in a Warming Climate

The consecutive occurrence of meteorological dry and wet extremes has been receiving increasing attention due to potentially larger social environmental impacts than single extremes. However, the changing characteristics transitions between periods remain poorly understood. Here we investigate dynamic evolution dry-to-wet in response climate warming, using Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index as well observations general circulation models for 1954–2014 2040–2100. We find that approximately three-fifths global land area are projected experience an accelerated transition. Southern Asia experiencing most severe is suffer more frequent, intense, transitions. potential evapotranspiration (PET) variability plays important role accelerating transition Asia, while precipitation PET variabilities contribute intensification North America.