Based on the monthly rain gauge data (1960-2010) from 20 stations in Hunan Province

the interdecadal change of winter precipitation over Hunan and its physical factors are investigated. The results indicate that there were two abrupt changes of winter precipitation

which appeared in 1988 and 1998

respectively. The precipitation was less during the years of 1973-1987 and 1998-2009

while the precipitation was more during the years of 1988-1997. The interdecadal change of winter precipitation in Hunan was attributed to the collaborative variations of Siberian High

Arctic Oscillation

the East Asian jet stream and Eurasian teleconnection pattern. During the 1988-1997 period

the intensity of Siberian High and the East Asian jet stream was weaker

Arctic Oscillation index was higher

and the Eurasian teleconnection pattern was in the negative phase. The aforementioned factors worked cooperatively to induce more precipitation. During the periods of 1973-1987 and 1998-2009

these factors showed roughly opposite changes

resulting in less winter rainfall.