Widespread tropical atmospheric drying from 1979 to 1995

Abstract

A daily gridded data base of tropical precipitable water (PW) from 1979–95 shows 3% average drying from 1979–87 to 1989–95. Spatial patterns of the change are consistent with strengthening of the thermally direct overturning circulation. Moistening in most of the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), and the Americas is more than offset by drying in oceanic subtropical highs and desert land areas.