Weather pattern classification and relationships with observational wind speed over Iberia

Abstract

The present study is focused on the analysis of the relationships between weather patterns and wind speeds over Iberia. A weather pattern classification is made by applying a multivariate methodology based on principal components to the Atlantic geopotential height field. From such classification, a set of composite plots are illustrated, showing how the different obtained atmospheric patterns have influence over the wind speed behaviour and the wind speed values. Moreover, the relationships between the obtained principal components and the observational local wind speeds are also provided in terms of the wind speed cumulated probability values and the associated curve area values related to the highest and lowest scores of the component's time series.