Extreme Precipitating Events in Satellite and Rain Gauge Products over the Sahel

Abstract Over the recent decades, extreme precipitation events (EPEs) have become more frequent over Sahel. Their properties, however, so far received little attention. In this study spatial distribution, intensity, seasonality, and interannual variability of EPEs are examined, using both a reference dataset based on high-density rain gauge network Burkina Faso 24 gridded datasets. The datasets evaluated in depth while their commonalities used to document EPE properties defined as occurrence daily accumulated exceeding all-day 99th percentile 1° × pixel. Faso, ranges between 21 33 mm day −1 . show that occur phase with West African monsoon annual cycle, frequently during core season wet years. These results consistent among but also wider exhibit wide diversity skills when compared Burkinabe reference. Global Precipitation Climatology Centre Full Data Daily version 1 (GPCC-FDDv1) Satellite Mapping Gauge Reanalysis 6.0 (GSMaP-gauge-RNL v6.0) only products properly reproduce all features examined work. combination microwave infrared measurements prone overestimate infrared-only generally underestimate it. calibrated versions perform better than uncalibrated (near-real-time) versions. This finally emphasizes lack data availability whole Sahel strongly impedes our ability gain insights properties.