Analysis of climatic features and major meteorological disasters over the Three Gorges Region of the Yangtze River Basin in 2021

Based on daily observation data in the Three Gorges Region (TGR) of the Yangtze River Basin and global reanalysis data, the authors analyzed the climate characteristics and associated temporal variations in the main meteorological factors in 2021, as well as the year's climatic events and meteorological disasters. The 2021 average temperature was 0.2°C above the 1991–2020 average and the 13th-warmest year since 1961. Seasonally, winter and autumn were both warmer than usual. The annual mean precipitation was 12.8% above normal, and most regions experienced abundant rainfall throughout the year. The seasonal variation in precipitation was significant and the TGR had a wetter-than-normal spring and summer. The number of rainstorm days was higher than normal; the wind speed was above normal; and the relative humidity was higher than normal. In terms of rain acidity, 2021 was tied with 2020 as the lowest since 1999. From mid-September to early October 2021, the TGR experienced exceptional high-temperature weather, which was driven by abnormal activity of mid- and high-latitude atmospheric circulation over the Eurasian continent and the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH). In addition, a strong blocking high over the Ural Mountains accompanied by intense mid-latitude westerly winds prevented cyclonic disturbances from extending to the subtropical region. As a result, under the combined effect of the weaker-than-normal cold-air activities and the anomalous WPSH, the TGR experienced extreme high-temperature weather during early autumn 2021.