Influence of large-scale atmospheric circulation on climate in Latvia

Analysis of the long-term trends in several meteorological parameters (air temperature, precipitation and river discharge) demonstrated significant climatic changes in Latvia. The character of the climate change had a strong seasonal pattern and largely depended on the large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern over Latvia and influence of long-term changes in air temperature (especially in winter), amounts of precipitation, ice regime of rivers and their runoff in Latvia. The climate change signals were related to increased temperature and precipitation at first during winters, and were associated with increased intensity of zonal circulation. Large-scale atmospheric-circulation processes were the most important factor influencing climate in Latvia.