This analysis reveals a global trend toward extreme precipitation dominance in arid regions, suggesting significant climate impacts.
Key Points
The study aims to explore the relationship between extreme precipitation and total annual precipitation across climate regions.
Analyzed Extreme Precipitation Fraction (EPF) using 25 CMIP6 global climate model simulations
Examined historical patterns and projected trends under high-emissions scenarios
Used a first-order relative-change decomposition to assess contributions of daily and total precipitation to EPF trends.
EPF values were highest in deserts, contributing over 13-15% to annual rainfall, and lowest in tropical rainforests (< 4%)
Projected EPF increases of +0.2 per decade observed in Mediterranean climates, with over 70% showing positive trends
Total annual precipitation changes dominate EPF trends in arid and Mediterranean regions, while extreme precipitation changes dominate in humid regions.