European Circulation Patterns and Meteorological Situation in Estonia

An attempt has been made to relate a large-scale airflow classification to the local weather at two stations in Estonia. To describe the features of the general circulation over Europe, the large-scale circulation patterns (Grosswetterlagen) of the German Weather Service have been chosen. Daily precipitation and temperature deviations from the monthly mean in Parnu and Tartu for 1961–1993 have been used. It can be said that the weather in Estonia shows a good relationship with the general circulation types (Zirkulationsformen) that are defined by means of the Grosswetterlagen. Zonal circulation brings to Estonia wet weather that in winter is warmer than average and in summer cooler than average. Mixed circulation is associated with warmer winters and average summers. Meridional circulation brings cold winters and variable weather in summer. To explain the large dispersion of values of meteorological elements within any one circulation type, a more detailed analysis of the relationships between circulation patterns and meteorological situation in Estonia is needed.