Regional patterns of dry spell durations in Croatia

• DOI: 10.1002/joc.7545
• Publication Date: 2022-02-06T17:49:25Z
• Authors: Ksenija Cindrić K...; Zoran Pasarić
• Keywords: Return period

Abstract The spatiotemporal characteristics of mean and maximum dry spells (DSs) in Croatia were analysed through general climatology the return values associated with different periods. An analysis was performed across seven regions precipitation regimes comprising data from 131 meteorological stations for 1961–2015. Daily limits 1, 5, 10 mm used to define days, DSs defined as consecutive series days. Generalized extreme value (GEV) generalized Pareto (GP) distributions applied DS annual maxima (AM) peak over threshold (POT) series, respectively. respective distribution parameter methodology interpretation combined both frequentist Bayesian approaches. regional lengths clearly indicated a dominance durations easternmost during cold season (mainly winter) southern Adriatic warm summer). Elsewhere, climatic influences reflected, shortest found highlands. This spatial pattern more pronounced DS5 DS10, whereas differences DS1 not evident. Spatial various periods obtained by GEV GP followed climatology. visual inspection an appropriate GP‐POT modelling, using stability graphs L‐moment ratio diagrams, that 75th percentile best all three categories. Although estimates two methods could be directly compared, model generally longer than those GEV, particularly long DS. study provides climatological basis drought parameters risk assessment Croatia. Moreover, results are relevant adjacent regions, complementing enriching current knowledge southeastern Europe.