Abstract: Based on the summer precipitation data from 213 stations in the South China from 1960 to 2010, Z index was analyzed. Rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) division was discussed by precipitation anomaly field. Z indices at regionally representative stations were analyzed by methods of a linear trend analysis, a Mann-Kandall analysis and a Morlet wavelet analysis. The results show that summer precipitation area of the South China is mainly divided into five regions by a REOF analysis method. The annual and inter-decadal variations of summer precipitation are significant in five regionally representative stations, and their trends change from arid to wet. The abrupt changes in Yueyang station, Guangzhou station, Lishui station, Xinyang station and Chaohu station appear in 1973, 1993, 1992, 2002 and 1979, respectively. UF values are rising after the abrupt change. The occurrence of drought and flood in five divisions are consistent. Summer precipitation cycles are 2-3 years and 5-6 years in the South China.

Key words: Summer precipitation, Z-index, Rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF), The South China