Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024

This study investigates the variations in the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) calculated based on meteorological data from six synoptic stations across the Central Region of Poland from 2001 to 2024, focusing on spatial and temporal trends in thermal stress. The average annual UTCI was found...

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Main Authors: Katarzyna Rozbicka, Tomasz Rozbicki, Grzegorz Majewski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Atmosphere
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/7/774
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author Katarzyna Rozbicka
Tomasz Rozbicki
Grzegorz Majewski
author_facet Katarzyna Rozbicka
Tomasz Rozbicki
Grzegorz Majewski
author_sort Katarzyna Rozbicka
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the variations in the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) calculated based on meteorological data from six synoptic stations across the Central Region of Poland from 2001 to 2024, focusing on spatial and temporal trends in thermal stress. The average annual UTCI was found to be 7.7 °C, indicating “slight cold stress,” with regional differences. Higher values were recorded in the west and northwest compared to lower values in the southeast. Maximum UTCI values associated with “very strong heat stress” exceeded 40.0 °C, while minimum values denoting “extreme cold stress” occurred in eastern cities more often. A linear trend analysis revealed a general increase in UTCI values across all stations, varying from 0.6 °C to 1.8 °C per decade, and showed distinct positive trends for heat stress categories, particularly “strong heat stress.” In contrast, a decrease in “strong cold stress” was observed. Favorable bioclimatic conditions, defined as “comfort”, predominated during most months, especially from April to October, while extreme thermal conditions were infrequently recorded. This research shows significant changes in thermal comfort and stress patterns, highlighting regional disparities and the implications for public health and urban planning in response to evolving bioclimatic conditions.
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spelling doaj-art-e977ab1c42614aa3b1daa7a03b4f729b2025-08-20T02:45:43ZengMDPI AGAtmosphere2073-44332025-06-0116777410.3390/atmos16070774Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024Katarzyna Rozbicka0Tomasz Rozbicki1Grzegorz Majewski2Institute of Environmental Engineering, Department of Hydrology, Meteorology and Water Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Str. 159, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandInstitute of Environmental Engineering, Department of Hydrology, Meteorology and Water Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Str. 159, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandInstitute of Environmental Engineering, Department of Hydrology, Meteorology and Water Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska Str. 159, 02-776 Warsaw, PolandThis study investigates the variations in the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) calculated based on meteorological data from six synoptic stations across the Central Region of Poland from 2001 to 2024, focusing on spatial and temporal trends in thermal stress. The average annual UTCI was found to be 7.7 °C, indicating “slight cold stress,” with regional differences. Higher values were recorded in the west and northwest compared to lower values in the southeast. Maximum UTCI values associated with “very strong heat stress” exceeded 40.0 °C, while minimum values denoting “extreme cold stress” occurred in eastern cities more often. A linear trend analysis revealed a general increase in UTCI values across all stations, varying from 0.6 °C to 1.8 °C per decade, and showed distinct positive trends for heat stress categories, particularly “strong heat stress.” In contrast, a decrease in “strong cold stress” was observed. Favorable bioclimatic conditions, defined as “comfort”, predominated during most months, especially from April to October, while extreme thermal conditions were infrequently recorded. This research shows significant changes in thermal comfort and stress patterns, highlighting regional disparities and the implications for public health and urban planning in response to evolving bioclimatic conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/7/774biothermal conditionsUniversal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)urban areaPoland
spellingShingle Katarzyna Rozbicka
Tomasz Rozbicki
Grzegorz Majewski
Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024
Atmosphere
biothermal conditions
Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)
urban area
Poland
title Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024
title_full Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024
title_fullStr Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024
title_full_unstemmed Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024
title_short Bioclimatic Condition Variability in the Central Region of Poland in the Period 2001–2024
title_sort bioclimatic condition variability in the central region of poland in the period 2001 2024
topic biothermal conditions
Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)
urban area
Poland
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/7/774
work_keys_str_mv AT katarzynarozbicka bioclimaticconditionvariabilityinthecentralregionofpolandintheperiod20012024
AT tomaszrozbicki bioclimaticconditionvariabilityinthecentralregionofpolandintheperiod20012024
AT grzegorzmajewski bioclimaticconditionvariabilityinthecentralregionofpolandintheperiod20012024