The influence of tropical and subtropical modes of climate variability on precipitation in Mozambique

Abstract

This study investigated relationships between year‐to‐year variability in precipitation in the rainy season in Mozambique and major modes of climate variability in the Tropics and subtropics. The Niño3.4 index was strongly negatively correlated with precipitation in Mozambique's southern and central regions. We suggest that Rossby wave propagation reaching Southern Africa from the tropical Pacific is key to the relationship between precipitation in Mozambique and El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole did not lead rainy‐season precipitation, but showed a simultaneous correlation with precipitation in southern, central and northeastern regions. Benguela Niño was found to have a significant positive lead correlation by 6 months with precipitation in the southern, central and northwestern regions. In contrast, Indian Ocean Dipole led precipitation in the southern, central and northeastern regions by 3 months. Overall, the modes of climate variability exerted stronger control over precipitation variability in southern and central Mozambique, and weaker control in northern Mozambique, particularly in the northwestern region.