Spatially Distinct Effects of Different Types of El Niño in Developing Summer on Heat Extremes in China

ABSTRACT The effect of El Niño on summer heat extremes in China has been a topic of previous studies, but the effects of different types of El Niño in developing summer on heat extremes in China have not been conclusive. We examined the effects of different types of El Niño in developing summer on heat extremes in China and found that there are spatial differences under different El Niño types. The developing eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño favours summer heat extremes from North China to central China and decreases them in southeastern China. The developing mixed‐type Pacific (MP) El Niño decreases summer heat extremes in east‐central China between 29°N and 35°N. The developing central Pacific (CP) El Niño increases summer heat extremes in east‐central China between 29°N and 37°N and decreases them in southern China. The physical mechanisms underlying the above spatially distinct effects are clarified through circulation and localised key climatic factors. Thus, the predictability of summer heat extremes in China can be improved based on judging the different El Niños in developing conditions.