Recent variability of sub‐seasonal monsoon precipitation and its potential drivers in Myanmar using in‐situ observation during 1981–2020

Abstract The present study assessed the spatiotemporal variation of summer monsoon precipitation and its potential drivers in Myanmar, utilizing monthly precipitation data from forty‐six (46) synoptic meteorological stations spanning 1981–2020. The nonparametric statistical Mann–Kendall (MK), Sequential Mann–Kendall (SQMK) test, Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF), and Probability Distribution Function (PDF) were used to determine the spatiotemporal monsoon precipitation trends and variability over the study period. The results show that higher precipitation occurs during June, July and August (peak monsoon period), while low precipitation was detected in May (onset month), September and October (withdrawal monsoon period), respectively. Moreover, abrupt change in precipitation is observed after 1990 with a significant (95% confidence level) increasing trend from 2000 to 2020. Decadal precipitation experienced the highest…