The Evolution of the Maximum Extreme Temperatures in the Area of the Romanian Black Sea Coast During 1961 – 2020

Abstract

The present study investigates the trends in the monthly, seasonal and annual regime of maximum temperatures in the Romanian Black Sea coast area over the last 60 years (1961-2020), using the monthly and annual maximum temperature data provided by five meteorological stations (i.e. Sulina, Sf. Gheorghe-Delta, Gura Portiței, Constanța, Mangalia). Three CLIMPACT extreme temperature indices (i.e. monthly and the annual average of maximum temperatures - TXm, the lowest monthly and annual value of the maximum temperature -TXn, and the highest monthly and annual value of the maximum temperature -TXx) and trends analysis methods (i.e. Mann-Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator) have been used in the study. The targeted region is under a visible and generalized warming, especially in winter and summer. The estimated warming trends are among the highest at national level. At some stations (i.e. Sulina) spring also emerges as a significant warming season. The highest warming rate is up to 5°C (e.g. Constanța). The observed trends could contribute to an improved understanding for urging adaptation actions in some key sensitive economic sectors directly affected by the recent climate warming (e.g. health, tourism, transport, biodiversity).

Keywords

• black sea coast
• maximum temperatures
• trends
• historical records