RT Journal Article T1 Summer upper‑level jets modulate the response of South American climate to ENSO A1 Collazo Inglesini, Soledad Maribel A1 García Herrera, Ricardo Francisco A1 Barriopedro Cepero, David AB The upper-level jet stream is a critical element of atmospheric circulation, driving synoptic systems and extreme weather events. This study analyzes the impact of upper-level jets on South American (SA) summer temperature and precipitation under different El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases. Using the ERA5 reanalysis dataset from 1979 to 2022, we perform a daily multiparametric characterization of the jet stream, considering its spatial and temporal discontinuities. Besides latitude and intensity, we find that the departure and number of branches of the subtropical jet (STJ) and the longitudinal extent of the Pacific branch of the polar front jet (PFJ) are needed for their description. An additional parameter is required to characterize the STJ due to its absence on around 40% of summer days over SA. Moreover, we observe distinct long-term changes in PFJ parameters across different ocean basins. Three synoptic weather types (WTs) of the upper-level zonal wind are identified: normal conditions, a prominent STJ pattern, and a PFJ-only pattern. The latter pattern is associated with anticyclonic anomalies at 500hPa in the South Atlantic Ocean and an active SA Convergence Zone, which favors clear skies and warm (wet and cold) conditions in southern SA (Brazil). Consistently, the probability of experiencing warm spells in central Argentina is increased more than twofold. Finally, we detect that the temperature anomalies associated with the WTs are independent of the ENSO phase. However, ENSO modulates the frequency of the WTs: during La Niña (El Niño), the PFJ-only (prominent STJ) pattern is more common. PB Springer SN 0930-7575 YR 2023 FD 2023-09-26 LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/88113 UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/88113 LA eng NO Unión Europea. H2020 DS Docta Complutense RD 9 abr 2025