Recent temperature and precipitation increases in West Siberia and their association with the Arctic Oscillation

Frey & Smith 2003: Polar Research 22(2), 287-300 The sensitivity of Arctic climate is documented in the instrumental record of recent decades and is evident in the large temperature increases seen over Northern Hemisphere land areas from about 40° N to 70° N (Nicholls et al. 1996). In particular, sharp temperature increases from 1966–1995 are found in Eurasia and northwest North America, with pronounced warming during winter and spring (Serreze et al. 2000). Similarly, Fallot et al. (1997) fi nd signifi cant positive trends in winter temperatures across much of the former Soviet Union (FSU) since the early 1950s or mid1960s. More recently (1979–1997), winter temperatures have warmed at an exceptionally high rate of 1 °C/decade in the Eurasian Arctic, which is contrasted by winter cooling (–1 °C/decade) in the North American Arctic (Rigor et al. 2000). Although Serreze et al. (2000) show relatively large winter temperature increases over widespread areas in Eurasia and western North AmerRecent temperature and precipitation increases in West Siberia and their association with the Arctic Oscillation