Caribbean rainfall driven by shifting long-term patterns in the Atlantic high-pressure system, study finds

Caribbean Rainfall Patterns Linked to Atlantic High-Pressure Shifts

A recent study published in Science Advances challenges the traditional view in climate science about Northern Hemisphere rainfall patterns. Researchers have found that changes in the Atlantic Ocean’s high-pressure system, known as the Bermuda or Azores High, play a key role in influencing Caribbean rainfall.

Main Findings

The Atlantic high-pressure system’s long-term shifts directly impact rainfall distribution in the Caribbean region.
This overturns previous assumptions that linked Caribbean rainfall primarily to other atmospheric variables.
The study emphasizes the connection between sea surface temperature changes and atmospheric pressure patterns across the Atlantic basin.

Key Quote

“Our findings show that variations in the Atlantic high-pressure system explain much of the decadal variability in rainfall over the Caribbean, reshaping how we understand regional climate dynamics,” the researchers stated.

Implications for Climate Science and Forecasting

These discoveries offer fresh insight into forecasting rainfall trends in the Caribbean, which is crucial for agriculture, water resources, and disaster preparedness.
Recognizing the Atlantic high’s role might improve long-term climate models for the broader tropical Atlantic area.

This study highlights the Atlantic high-pressure system's shifting patterns as a significant driver of Caribbean rainfall variability, prompting a rethink in regional climate modeling.

Phys.org on MSN — 2025-11-28

Caribbean Rainfall Patterns Linked to Atlantic High-Pressure Shifts

Main Findings

Key Quote

Implications for Climate Science and Forecasting

More News