scholarly journals Daily and seasonal variabilities of thermal stress (based on the UTCI) in air masses typical for Central Europe: an example from Warsaw

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Okoniewska
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Water Vapour Pressure ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Masses

Abstract The objective of research involved the comparison of daily and seasonal courses of thermal stress occurring in Central Europe depending on the inflowing air mass. The analysis used data from Warsaw (1991–2000), including air temperature (°C), water vapour pressure (hPa), wind speed (m s−1) and cloud cover (%). Universal thermal climate index was calculated and subsequently averaged for the individual months and four types of atmospheric air masses: polar maritime (mP), arctic(A), polar continental (cP) and tropical (T). The studies analysed differences in daily patterns of the averaged values of universal thermal climate index between air masses and determined the frequency of days with various types of thermal stress in individual air masses. The analyses indicated that under the conditions of Central Europe, the highest daily variance of biothermal conditions occurs between the masses of cP and T in the spring and autumn. Considerably greater diversity of biothermal conditions was observed between the masses during daytime compared with nighttime, especially in the warm half of the year. The thermal stress, which can be encountered in Central Europe, ranges from an “extreme cold stress” in winter at night and early morning hours to “very strong heat stress” in summer at noon. Extreme thermal stress is related primarily to the masses of cP, A and T. The most optimal biothermal conditions occur during the advection of mP air.

scholarly journals The stimuli of thermal environment defined according to UTCI in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-200
Author(s):  
Magdalena Kuchcik ◽  
Krzysztof Błażejczyk ◽  
Agnieszka Halaś
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Individual

The assessment of thermal stress stimuli in Poland was based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Daily values of UTCI at 24 stations selected to represent the whole area of Poland at 12:00 UTC were calculated over the period 1951-2018. Various UTCI characteristics, i.e., spatial averages of daily, monthly and annual values, daily spatial contrasts (i.e., the difference between daily highest and lowest UTCI values) were defined in each of 8 bioclimatic regions of Poland. Ten-year trends for UTCI and spatial contrast values were counted and their statistical significance was analysed. A statistically significant increase in UTCI values was found in all the regions of Poland. However, contrasts in thermal stress both for Poland as a whole and in most of the regions decreased significantly, especially in the north-east of Poland, the country’s coldest region. This indicates a reduction in the stimuli of thermal environment in Poland and in most of the individual regions.

scholarly journals Bioclimatic Conditions of Paris, Rome and Budapest on the Basis of the Universal Thermal Climate Index

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danuta Idzikowska
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Extreme Values ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions ◽  
One Way Anova

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the main features of the bioclimatic conditions of three European cities using a new Universal Thermal Climate Index. Daily values of meteorological variables for 12 UTC for the cities for 1990-2001 were used in the study. Using the frequency of UTCI and one-way Anova, the results showed that in all the three cities “no thermal stress” dominated throughout the year. “Extreme” values of heat as well as “cold stress” were observed but in none of the cities “extreme cold stress” occurred. The values of UTCI differed for all the three cities in each studied year. The cities differed from each other in each month during the whole year with the exception of spring - March and April.

scholarly journals Zagrożenie organizmu człowieka stresem cieplnym występujące w godzinach okołopołudniowych w czasie dni upalnych = Heat-stress threats to the human body around noon on very hot days

2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-376
Author(s):  
Monika Okoniewska
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The Body ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Hot Days ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Severe Heat Stress

This article seeks to analyse the universal thermal climate index (UTCI, °C), in order to characterise hazards associated with high air temperature that may possibly occur in Poland around noon on very hot days. Values for the index (calculated for UTC by reference to air temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), wind speed (v∙ms-1) and cloudiness (%)) related to from the Polish cities of Kołobrzeg, Poznań and Kraków, and to the period 2001–2018. Mean values with standard deviations were calculated, with minimum and maximum values noted, amplitudes, lower and upper quartiles and the skewness coefficient. One-way analysis of variance was deployed to determine whether UTCI values at midday on very hot days differ significantly from month to month. The frequency of occurrence of different intensities of heat stress was also determined. In each case, analysis related to both the overall period and individual years. Hours around noon on very hot days were mainly associated with “moderate” or “severe” heat stress, though instances “very sever heat stress” may also arise. The greatest threat of thermal heat stress could be noted for July and August, with conditions noticeably more severe in Kraków than the other stations studied. Kołobrzeg faced the most-limited hazard associated with the occurrence of heat stress, and only in July may “very severe heat stress” appear there sporadically. In turn, Poznań – located in a region with bioclimatic conditions typical for Poland – was rather characterised by “moderate” or “severe heat stress”. Equally, on a majority of the very hot days studied, all three stations recoded above-average UTCI values, with this fact making it clear that when a high level of thermal stress arises it may be rather a country-wide phenomenon. The most stable, near-average conditions characterised May, while biothermal differentiation peaked in July and August. Analysis of variance showed that, other than in relation to April in Poznań, levels of thermal stress on hot days did not differ significantly from one month to another. Analyses of the variability to values for the multi-year universal thermal climate index revealed an increase over time for maxima, especially in Kraków. This may point to an intensified risk associated with overheating of the body, in the south of Poland in particular. In addition, calculations confirm both spatial and temporal differentiation of biothermal conditions. Years in which hot days proved particularly burdensome were 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013.

scholarly journals The assessment of human bioclimate of Vranje health resort (Serbia) based on Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) with the focus on extreme biothermal conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-222
Author(s):  
Milica Pecelj ◽  
Anna Błażejczyk ◽  
Nemanja Vagić ◽  
Peca Ivanović
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Heat And Cold Stress ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions

The study deals with an assessment and interpretation of the bioclimatic conditions in Vranje (southern Serbia). The study aims at temporal distributions of bioclimatic conditions focussing on extreme thermal stress based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The meteorological data required for the calculation of UTCI concern hourly (7 and 14 CET) weather data collected for the period 2000-2017. The frequency of very strong heat stress (VSHS), very strong cold stress (VSCS) and extreme cold stress (ECS) for both morning and midday hours. Furthermore, the daily difference of the UTCI hourly values (diurnal UTCI change) are specified, giving the daily variance of heat and cold stress. The results revealed the frequency of days in which thermal stress prevails for the studied period. The obtained results show an increase in extreme heat biothermal conditions, while extreme cold biothermal conditions are in decline, especially in the last 10 years. However, the frequency (the number of days) of very strong heat stress (VSHS) increased since 2007. A spectacular increase in heat stress was observed in the month of September, particularly in 2015.

scholarly journals Thermal stress in the northern Carpathians and air circulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-160
Author(s):  
Błażejczyk Krzysztof ◽  
Nejedlik Pavol ◽  
Skrynyk Oleh ◽  
Halaś Agnieszka ◽  
Skrynyk Olesya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Low Pressure ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Air Circulation

AbstractIn mountain areas, air circulation plays a major role in the forming of the climate. This paper examines how it influences thermal stress in the northern Carpathians. The Niedźwiedź’s classification of air circulation was applied. Thermal stress was assessed by Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Daily meteorological and circulation data for the period 1986–2015 were used for 20 stations in Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. Air circulation was found to have a significant impact on thermal stress. The highest UTCI values are observed at Ca+Ka (centre of the high and anticyclonic wedge or ridge of high pressure) and the lowest values at N+NE and W+NW circulation; at the Southward stations, UTCI is higher than in the Northward ones; thermoneutral days are more frequent on the southward than on the northward slopes; during N+NE, E+SE and W+NW circulation and for heat stress days, the greatest thermal privilege of the southward slopes is observed at E+SE, S+SW, Ca+Ka and Cc+Bc (centre of low and through of low pressure) types of circulation.

scholarly journals Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and synoptic circulation patterns over the metropolitan city of Athens, Greece

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-487 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stress ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Metropolitan City ◽  
Circulation Patterns ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Westerly Flow ◽  
Urban Complex ◽  
Synoptic Circulation

<p>The present study aims to investigate the human thermal stress with respect to the synoptic scale circulation over the metropolitan city of Athens in Greece. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) was applied in order to assess the levels of thermal stress employing three-hour meteorological data for four stations of the urban complex for a ten-year period (2006-2015). The patterns of the synoptic atmospheric circulation were classified in eight distinct categories based on a clustering scheme. The obtained results in summer reveal low UTCI values on days that are associated with a cyclonic pattern or a cold advection from the northwest or north. On the contrary, the days with an anticyclonic pattern show high UTCI values. During winter, low UTCI values are observed on days that are associated with a pure cyclonic pattern, a prevailing northern flow and a strong cold air advection from the northwest or north. During nighttime, high UTCI values are noted on days with south-westerly flow. However, this is not observed during daytime and especially around midday. The analysis also shows that the position of the station affects the levels of thermal stress for the same synoptic category.</p>

UTCI as the NWP model ALADIN (CHMI) output – first experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-249
Author(s):  
Martin Novák
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Weather Prediction ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Numerical Weather ◽  
Weather Forecasters ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Nwp Model

The article includes a summary of basic information about the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) calculation by the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model ALADIN of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI). Examples of operational outputs for weather forecasters in the CHMI are shown in the first part of this work. The second part includes results of a comparison of computed UTCI values by ALADIN for selected place with UTCI values computed from real measured meteorological data from the same place.

scholarly journals Universal thermal climate index in Russia

2019 ◽  
pp. 3-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. V. Vinogradova
Keyword(s):  
Cold Stress ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Environment Temperature ◽  
European Part Of Russia ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Actual Environment ◽  
Almost All

The paper uses the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) to estimate the bioclimate in Russia, initiated by the Commission of the International society of Biometeorology. The UTCI index can be described as equivalent environment temperature (°C), which provides the same physiological impact on humans as the actual environment. Assessment of bioclimatic conditions is shown for the territory of Russia in the period of modern climate change (2001–2015). Cold stress conditions (from low to extreme) were observed in the almost all territory of Russia for about 8–11 months a year. During the rest of the year, the conditions are neutral or comfortable. The period of extreme and very high cold stress is reduced during the modern climate warming (compared to the period 1961–1990), especially in the Arctic, in the European part of Russia, in Western and Eastern Siberia. At the same time, the period with neutral and comfortable thermal conditions increases.

scholarly journals The evaluation of biothermal conditions for various forms of climatic therapy based on UTCI adjusted for activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-182
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Lindner-Cendrowska ◽  
Peter Bröde
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activities ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Metabolic Rates ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Vigorous Exercise ◽  
Adjustment Procedure ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Health Resorts ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions

The objective of this study was to assess biothermal conditions in the selected Polish health resorts for specific forms of climatic therapy. We calculated Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) for ten-year period (2008- 2017) and then added adjustment terms, taking into account changes in metabolic rates during various physical activities from resting to vigorous exercise. The adjusted UTCI values increased with rising activity, implying that warmer parts of the year were unsuitable for intensive forms of climatotherapy. These results demonstrate that the UTCI adjustment procedure provides well-balanced assessments of bioclimatic conditions for the purpose of climatic treatment considering the level of activity

scholarly journals Principles of the New Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and its Application to Bioclimatic Research in European Scale

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Błażejczyk ◽  
Peter Broede ◽  
Dusan Fiala ◽  
George Havenith ◽  
Ingvar Holmér ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Actual Condition ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Special Study Group ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Hands And Feet ◽  
Physiological Reactions

Abstract During the last century about 100 indices were developed to assess influences of the atmosphere on human being. However, most of them have not close relationships with physiological reactions in man. In 1999 International Society of Biometeorology established special study group do develop new Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Since 2005 these efforts have been reinforced by the COST Action 730 (Cooperation in Science and Technical Development). In February 2009 the Action was terminated and UTCI was developed. The new UTCI index represents air temperature of the reference condition with the same physiological response as the actual condition. The index base on Fiala model that is one of the most advanced multi-node thermophysiological models and include the capability to predict both whole body thermal effects (hypothermia and hyperthermia; heat and cold discomfort), and local effects (facial, hands and feet cooling and frostbite). The model consists of two interacting systems: the controlling active system; and the controlled passive system. The assessment scale of UTCI bases on the intensity of objective physiological reactions to environmental heat stress in wide range of weather and climates. The index can be applicable in various research, for example in weather forecasts, bioclimatological assessments, bioclimatic mapping in all scales (from micro to macro), urban design, engineering of outdoor spaces, consultancy for where to live, outdoor recreation and climatotherapy, epidemiology and climate impact research. The paper presents thermophysiological principles of UTCI as well as some examples of its application to assess bioclimatic differentiation of Europe.

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