Impact of Ocean-Atmosphere Teleconnections on Wintertime Climate in Pennsylvania

Abstract

Ocean-atmospheric teleconnections are modes of climate variability that influence average monthly precipitation and temperature throughout Pennsylvania, especially during wintertime. Statistical analysis of the Pennsylvania Climate Divisions, snowfall, precipitation, and temperature data, and monthly indices of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Pacific-North American Pattern from 1950-2010 allowed for an assessment of teleconnection influences on wintertime climate. Preliminary results suggest some statistically significant correlations exist throughout the state and will be portrayed graphically within a Geographic Information System. Geographic informatics will display the results that these teleconnections have throughout Pennsylvania and its ten different regions.