Observed Impact of the South Asian Summer Monsoon on the Local Meteorology in the Himalayas

The South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is the most important climate system in Asia. Using observational data from the HEST2006 (Himalayan Exchange between the Surface and Troposphere 2006) campaign and large-scale grid data, this paper analyzed the SASM impact on local meteorological parameters including radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind in the Himalayas. The SASM experienced one active and one break period during the HEST2006 campaign. The local meteorological parameters exhibit great differences between the active period and the break period of the SASM. The radiation fluxes are greater in the break period than in the active period. The air temperature and specific humidity are lower, but soil temperature and wind speed are higher in the break period than in the active period. Further analysis indicates that the SASM greatly affects the meteorological features of the Himalayan region.