Heterogeneous patterns of change for annual and seasonal precipitation extremes in China over the past 60 years

Global warming is expected to disrupt the hydrological cycle, resulting in changes of precipitation extremes and flooding risk in China. This study investigates spatiotemporal trends in annual and seasonal precipitation extremes in China using data from 2418 stations (1961–2022) and 11 precipitation indices. Findings indicate intensified annual precipitation extremes, with a pronounced increasing trend in December–February but a decreasing trend during September–November. Spatial heterogeneity emerged: Southwest China and South China exhibited drying trends versus wetting elsewhere. Tibetan Plateau and western Northwest China showed prolonged duration extremes versus shorter elsewhere (more frequent and intense extreme precipitation). Northwestern China experienced accelerated annual precipitation extremes that outpaced national trends, at season scale, December–February intensities of precipitation extremes in 1991–2022 exceeded those of 1961–1990, implying increased potential climatic risks in northwestern China. Given the ongoing climate warming, the impacts of precipitation extremes, including soil erosion, require increased attention in China.