Dynamical response of atmospheric circulation to below-normal East Sea SSTs associated with heavy snowfall in eastern Korea

Prior studies have shown that above-normal sea surface temperatures (SSTs) enhance snowfall over Korea. Here, we show that heavy snow is nonetheless associated with below-normal East Sea SSTs, and we investigate the dynamical response of the atmosphere to this surface condition using observations and numerical modeling. The results indicate that anomalous southeasterly/easterly winds are induced by the heavy snowfall-related cold SST anomalies, and consequently, the moisture flux is converged. The existence of the southeasterly winds and the accompanied moisture flux convergence appear to be instrumental in producing the heavy snowfall events. The anomalous southeasterly/easterly winds associated with the heavy snowfall-related cold SST anomaly reduce the climatological northwesterly/westerly winds, leading to relatively warm and wet conditions over the east coast of Korea that are favorable for forming and intensifying snowfall events in the region.