Spatio-temporal variability of precipitation over the Western Balkan countries and its links with the atmospheric circulation patterns

Temporal and spatial variability of annual seasonal precipitation from 71 stations located in Western Balkan (WB) countries (Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro) their correlations with nine atmospheric circulation patterns was examined for the period 1950-2016. Annual increased significantly throughout WB (from 2% to 8% per decade) on 20% mainly mountainous western Serbia eastern Herzegovina. Winter characterized by non?significant changes most studied area, only a few significant increase (up 12% area WB, decrease -6% Pannonian plain. Significant noticed 15% spring, while it 17% autumn. Summer decreased -5% limited northern (6% stations), majority showed increase. The strongest influences region are Arctic Oscillation (AO) Mediterranean (MO), leading during positive phases. is negatively correlated AO, East Atlantic/Western Russia oscillation (EA/WR), North Atlantic (NAO) has correlation (WeMO) stations. MO influence summer decrease, AO dominant