Markov Chain Analysis of Rainfall over East Asia: Unusual Frequency, Persistence, and Entropy in the Summer 2020

Abstract Record-breaking rainfall occurred over East Asia during the summer of 2020. However, in which aspect 2020 can be differentiated from other years remains to quantified. To this end, study employs Markov chain analysis quantify variability using three descriptors for heavy precipitation events 10 mm day −1 : frequency, persistence, and entropy (i.e., irregularity). It is found that attributed an anomalously high frequency central China Japan greater persistence eastern Korea. Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) are used analyze interannual variation a few primary modes. For period, first second modes account enhanced China, linked sea surface temperature anomalies North Pacific, equatorial tropical Indian Ocean. mode dominates anomalous observed Similar but weak behavior also seen by entropy.