PTSTORM Project

PTSTORM - Extreme Precipitation Response to Temperature Variations: The Role of Storm Types and Global Circulation Patterns

MSCA Fellowship, University of Padova, 2025–2027

The overarching objective of ‘Extreme Precipitation Response to Temperature Variations: The Role of Storm Types and Global Circulation Patterns (PTSTORM)’ is to improve our under-standing of the relation between extreme precipitation and atmospheric temperature. Current approaches use scaling relations that mimic the exponential increase of water vapor availability with temperature predicted by the Clausius–Clapeyron equation. These approaches fail to consider that extreme events are generated by diverse physical processes, which may be influenced by large-scale drivers. PTSTORM will provide a more realistic representation of the relationship between extreme precipitation and temperature by explicitly considering the dependence on the generating precipitation process and on large-scale atmospheric circulation (LAC) patterns. Key objectives:

• Classify storm types and associated precipitation characteristics globally.
• Quantify temperature–precipitation scaling across storm types and regions.
• Assess modulation of extremes by large-scale circulation regimes.

Methodology

We combine satellite products (e.g., GPM IMERG), reanalysis datasets, and statistical models. Results will inform process-based interpretations and improve predictive models for extreme precipitation under changing climate conditions.

Funding

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship — €193,643.