Amplification of Australian Heatwaves via Local Land‐Atmosphere Coupling

Abstract

Key Points Spatial variability in the land‐atmosphere coupling defines local heatwave sensitivity to antecedent land surface conditions Land‐driven coupling regions experience a higher heatwave day frequency with temperatures sensitive to prior soil moisture conditions Antecedent soil moisture anomaly rather than drying rate 2 weeks prior to a heatwave has a longer impact on heatwave temperatures