A quantitative method for the assessment of annual state of climate

Assessment of the annual state of climate is an important part of the Annual Climate Bulletin, which is an essential output of climatic operations and services and assessment methods play a key role. This paper takes Fujian Province as an example to introduce a quantitative method for assessment of annual state of climate. This method is statistically simple, operationally adaptable and can be widely applied. Based on 50 years daily observations of precipitation and temperature as well as the meteorological drought composite index (MCI) over the period of 1961-2010 at the 66 National Meteorological Stations in Fujian Province, a comprehensive model for the assessment of state of climate, together with its grade standard and historical sequences have been established, in which the percentile method is used on the basis of annual status assessment indexes for cold weather, hot weather, heavy rainfall and meteorological drought. This system has realized the quantitative assessment and historical comparability of the annual state of climate for cold weather, hot weather, heavy rainfall, meteorological drought as well as the integrated climatic status. Operational application and verification against historical cases indicate that this system is reasonable and its results are highly consistent with major historical cases. This method provides a reference for quantitative assessments of precipitation intensity during rainy season, the intensity of cold or warmth in the winter or summer, etc.