Documentary-based climate reconstructions in the Czech Lands 1501–2020 CE and their European context

Abstract. Annual and seasonal temperature, precipitation, drought index (SPI – standard precipitation index, SPEI evapotranspiration Z PDSI Palmer Drought Severity Index) series covering the Czech Lands territory (now Republic) over 520 years (1501–2020 CE) reconstructed from documentary data combined with instrumental observations were analysed herein. The temperature exhibits a statistically significant increasing trend, rising ? 1890 particularly 1970s; 1991–2020 represents warmest driest 30-year period since 1501 CE. While long-term total fluctuations (and derived SPI fluctuations) remain relatively stable annual decadal variabilities, past increases are key factor affecting recent dryness in SPEI, series. represent broad European area, while show lower spatial correlations. A statistical attribution analysis conducted utilizing regression wavelet techniques confirmed influence of covariates related to volcanic activity (prompting temporary decreases, especially during summer) North Atlantic Oscillation (influential all seasons except climate reconstructions. Furthermore, components tied multidecadal variabilities northern Pacific identified indices, revealing notable shared oscillations, at periods approximately 70–100 years.