The Effect of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) Events on Weather Parameters (Temperature, Rainfall & Humidity) Along Coastal Areas in Africa Using ERA5
Keywords:
Sudden Stratospheric Warming, Coastal, Weather Patterns, Rainfall, Humidity, Variability Stratosphere, Troposphere, Coupling, AfricanAbstract
Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events are major meteorological phenomena that disrupt the polar vortex in the stratosphere, influencing tropospheric weather patterns globally. This study examines the impact of SSW events on temperature, rainfall, and humidity across selected coastal areas in Africa during 2016–2019. Key locations include Dakar, Djibouti, Gabon, Melilla, and Lagos. Using data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA5 reanalysis, a temporal and spatial analysis was conducted to identify variations in weather parameters during and after SSW events. The methodology involved analyzing Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV), temperature, and precipitation derived from ERA5, alongside atmospheric conditions. The findings reveal increased surface temperature anomalies and elevated PWV levels during SSW periods, indicating enhanced atmospheric moisture and disrupted rainfall patterns, characterized by both intensified precipitation and suppression phases. These results underscore the role of stratosphere-troposphere interactions in altering coastal weather systems in Africa, contributing to improved weather forecasting and climate modeling for vulnerable regions.