Climatological characteristics and atmospheric circulation associated with 3D heat wave types in European regions

We evaluate climatological characteristics (temperature anomalies, mean precipitation, and the Climatic Water balance index defined as the difference between potential evapotranspiration and precipitation) and links to atmospheric circulation for three-dimensional (3D) heat wave types in several European regions. Heat waves are classified according to their 3D structure of positive temperature anomalies in ERA5 over 1979–2022 (the satellite period) into near-surface, lower-tropospheric, higher-tropospheric, and omnipresent types (Lhotka & Kyselý 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01497-2). The Jenkinson–Collison classification of daily mean sea level pressure patterns is used to identify circulation types with increased frequency during the individual heat wave types compared to the June–September climatology. We show large differences in surface temperature anomalies and dryness among the heat wave types, as well as different links to circulation patterns. The differences are most pronounced between near-surface and higher-tropospheric heat waves and point to processes important for their onset and development. The analysis contributes to better understanding the interrelationships between heat waves, atmospheric circulation, and other driving mechanisms.