scholarly journals Bioclimatic conditions of Lublin based on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 118-127
Author(s):  
Mateusz Dobek ◽  
Sylwester Wereski ◽  
Agnieszka Krzyżewska
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to describe bioclimatic conditions in Lublin and Radawiec in the period 1976–2015 using the UTCI index. The paper shows that in Lublin and Radawiec, the most frequent biometeorological conditions caused no heat stress and were neutral for the human organism. At the analysed stations, biometeorological conditions causing cold stress occurred more frequently than those causing heat stress. Biometeorological conditions in the analysed period were characterised by high year-to-year variability. We observed that in recent years there was an increase in frequency of conditions favouring heat stress and a decrease in conditions favouring cold stress.

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 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 Occurrence of strong and very strong heat stress in Poland and its circulation conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 139 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 893-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz M. Tomczyk ◽  
Małgorzata Owczarek
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Pressure Field ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Extreme Stress ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Environmental Prediction

Abstract The primary objective of the paper was the determination of the atmospheric circulation favouring the occurrence of strong and very strong stress of the human organism due to heat stress in Poland. The paper was prepared based on data obtained from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute and the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR). The criterion of extreme stress of the human organism adopted in the paper covered conditions in which the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) value was higher than 32 °C. The research showed a statistically significant increase in half of the analysed stations and an increasing tendency or no changes in the remaining stations. Moreover, after 1990, conditions particularly strenuous for the organism were recorded (UTCI > 40 °C) over a major part of the territory of Poland. The occurrence of days with strong and very strong heat stress in Poland was related to the presence of high-pressure systems blocking zonal circulation. The research permitted the designation of three types in which the pressure field showed common features, but differed in the location of anticyclonic systems.

scholarly journals Intensity of heat stress in 2015 and 2018 summer seasons in the region of the Lower Silesia (Poland)

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartłomiej Miszuk
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Lower Silesia

AbstractThe main goal of this paper was to assess the intensity of heat stress in Lower Silesia, Poland, during selected weather events characterized by high air temperatures. The complex impact of weather on the thermal load of the human organism is presented using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The analysis was carried out for the 2015 and 2018 summer seasons and compared with the multiannual period of 1971–2018. It was based on meteorological data from the IMGW-PIB stations of Wrocław, Jelenia Góra and Śnieżka. In order to examine how heat conditions affect UTCI in different geographical regions, stations located at different altitudes and representing the lowlands, the lower mountain zone and the summit zone of the Sudetes Mountains were considered. The research showed that during the most extreme thermal events, UTCI values in the lowlands and the lower mountain zones can be among the highest heat stress classes. In the summit zone, the maximum UTCI values are usually classed as ‘no thermal stress’.

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

Heat stress and outdoor activities in open spaces of public housing estates in Hong Kong: A perspective of the elderly community

2020 ◽  
pp. 1420326X2095044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianxiang Huang ◽  
Yang Chen ◽  
Phil Jones ◽  
Tongping Hao
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Public Housing ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Housing Estates

Open spaces in Hong Kong are in short supply and they are often underused due to the adverse climate, especially in hot and humid summer. This is a missed opportunity that can be otherwise realized to promote health and social interactions for local communities. The high density urban environment makes the condition worse by raising the urban heat island effect and leaving planners with fewer mitigation options. This study aims to test the hypotheses that an unfavourable thermal environment disrupts the use of outdoor open spaces; if yes, whether such disruptions differ by age groups. On-site measurement and computer simulations were conducted in three open spaces in public housing estates in Ngau Tau Kok, Hong Kong. Thermal conditions were assessed using the Universal Thermal Climate Index. Occupant activities were recorded, together with a questionnaire survey. Results showed that an open space purposefully designed for breeze and shading was 2.0°C cooler in Universal Thermal Climate Index compared with the other two. It attracted more optional/social activities, higher frequency of visits, and longer duration of stay. The elderly activities were more susceptible to disruptions from heat stress compared with younger groups. Elderly activities largely diminish when ambient thermal environment exceed 39°C in Universal Thermal Climate Index. Findings have implications to design and retrofitting of open spaces in order to maximize their use.

Reduktion von Hitzestress und Überflutungen im urbanen Raum durch Nutzung von Synergien bei Anpassungsmaßnahmen an den Klimawandel

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alrun Jasper-Tönnies ◽  
Yannick Back ◽  
Peter Bach ◽  
Wolfgang Rauch ◽  
Thomas Einfalt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
New York ◽  
Climate Index ◽  
Universal Thermal Climate Index ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Revision Process ◽  
Cambridge University ◽  
Thermal Climate ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions ◽  
Total Environment

<p>Unsere Städte sind kontinuierlichen Veränderungen unterworfen. Das Bevölkerungswachstum führt zu einem steigenden Bedarf an Wohn-, Gewerbe- und Verkehrsflächen und damit zu voranschreitender Versiegelung von natürlichen Flächen. Durch den Klimawandel sind unter anderem vermehrt auftretende Starkniederschläge, aber auch längere Trockenperioden und Hitzewellen zu erwarten (z.B. IPCC, 2014). Somit sehen sich Städte in naher Zukunft großen Herausforderungen ausgesetzt. Gleichzeitig sind Ressourcen für Anpassungsmaßnahmen begrenzt, und Flächen, die für Anpassungsmaßnahmen benötigt würden, stehen unter hoher Nutzungskonkurrenz. Vor diesem Hintergrund rücken Anpassungsmaßnahmen in den Vordergrund, die einen mehrfachen Nutzen aufweisen, wie dezentrale Entwässerungsmaßnahmen. Durch die Behandlung von Niederschlagswasser direkt vor Ort können gleichzeitig Grünflächen und Schattenplätze geschaffen, sowie Infiltration, Evapotranspiration und die Speicherung von Wasser gesteigert werden. Neben einer Entlastung des städtischen Abwassersystems kommt es damit auch zu einer Verbesserung des urbanen Mikroklimas und zu einer Minderung von Hitzeinseln. Die Auswirkung dezentraler Entwässerungssysteme auf das urbane Mikroklima wurde hier am Beispiel der Stadt Innsbruck näher untersucht. Zukünftige Klimaänderungen wurden anhand von Beobachtungsdaten und regionalen Klimaprojektionen aus EURO-CORDEX/ReKliEs unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener RCP-Szenarien (Abb. 1, 2) abgeschätzt. Indikatoren wie der Universal Thermal Climate Index wurden mittels eines vereinfachten Ansatzes in Abhängigkeit von lokalen Standorteigenschaften in einem GIS (Geoinformationssystem) simuliert (Back et al., 2020). Dieser Ansatz dient der Analyse urbaner Hitze auf mehreren Maßstabsebenen und kann unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener RCP-Szenarien durchgeführt werden (Abb. 3). Eine Koppelung dieses Ansatzes mit einem Ansatz nach Simperler et al. (2018), zur Differenzierung städtischer Strukturtypen und ihrer Potenziale und Einschränkungen für die dezentrale Niederschlagswasserbehandlung, soll prioritäre Gebiete zur Einbettung optimierter Anpassungsmaßnahmen lokalisieren und dadurch Synergieeffekte fördern. Diese Arbeit ist Teil der Projekte CONQUAD (Projekt Nr. KR16AC0K13143) und cool-INN (Projekt Nr. KR19SC0F14953), welche vom Österreichischen Klima- und Energiefonds gefördert werden.</p><p><strong>Literatur</strong></p><p>Back, Y., Bach, P.M., Jasper-Tönnies, A., Rauch, W. und Kleidorfer, M. (2020). A rapid fine-scale approach to modelling urban bioclimatic conditions. Science of the Total Environment. Revision Process.</p><p>Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2014). Summary for policymakers. IN: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II of the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp. 1-32.</p><p>Simperler, L., Himmelbauer, P., Stöglehner, G. und Ertl, T. (2018). Siedlungswasserwirtschaftliche Strukturtypen und ihre Potenziale für die dezentrale Bewirtschaftung von Niederschlagswasser. Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, Wien.</p><p><img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gnp.8dc32f38488f51196672061/sdaolpUECMynit/21-TKD&app=m&a=0&c=b90baff20f885e52746c33cca59e5d0c&ct=x&pn=gnp.elif" alt="" width="525" height="378"></p><p><img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gnp.9cad14f6488f50856672061/sdaolpUECMynit/21-TKD&app=m&a=0&c=381acd600b8ccddf546902279086aa4b&ct=x&pn=gnp.elif" alt="" width="433" height="291"></p><p><img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gnp.3eefdc36488f56936672061/sdaolpUECMynit/21-TKD&app=m&a=0&c=ee59c3cd5d6e5663a3d4c996da0683b7&ct=x&pn=gnp.elif" alt=""></p>

scholarly journals Ocena bioklimatycznych warunków rekreacji i turystyki w strefie polskiego Wybrzeża Bałtyku na podstawie wskaźnika UTCI = Assessment of bioclimatic conditions for recreation and tourism in the Polish Baltic coastal zone using the UTCI index

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Czesław Koźmiński ◽  
Bożena Michalska
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Cold Stress ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Heat Loading ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Bioclimatic Conditions ◽  
Recreation And Tourism

The quality of a given bioclimate is much affected by the atmospheric environment (taken to include solar radiation, air temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and levels of atmospheric pollution), as well as by geographical factors relating to topography and cover, the drainage system and land use (Owczarek 2009, Czarnecka, Nidzgorska-Lencewicz 2010, Koźmiński, Michalska 2011, Owczarek 2012). Tourists staying in a coastal area must contend with considerable variability of weather from one day to another, or even hour by hour, in the cold half-year in particular. Changes of weather have a profound effect on the human organism, inter alia giving rise to migraines, sleep disturbances and hypersensitivity. The work described here sought to assess temporal (inter alia seasonal) and spatial variability to heat loading of the human organism characterising the Polish Baltic coastal zone, as well as the temperature of water by beaches. It was to achieve this kind of assessments of bioclimate and its impact on the human organism that the index known as the UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) was devised, taking in air temperature, wind speed, air humidity and absorbed solar radiation (expressed as mean radiant temperature) (Błażejczyk & Kunert, 2011). This index represents objective changes in physiological parameters of the human organism occurring thanks to differing environmental conditions as determined in relation to a 10-point scale for heat loading of the human organism (°C) that translate into descriptive terms ranging from extreme heat stress to extreme cold stress. UTCI values referred to here were calculated using BioKlima 2.6 software - http://www.igipz.pan.pl/Bioklima-zgik.html. Six zones for the heat loading of the human organism found to be present along the Polish coast during the four seasons of the year were designated by summing the frequency of occurrence of days with a particularly stimulating effect, be this severe or very severe heat stress or severe, very severe or extreme cold stress. The UTCI-based analysis sustained conclusions as follows: - The Polish Baltic coast is found to be characterised by marked day-to-day variability in the heat loading of the human organism, particularly in the November-late May period, with the result being a significant “nuisance” represented for tourists. - Along the western part of the coast and in the area of the Bay of Puck, conditions thermoneutral for the human organism were found to dominate (accounting for more than 60% of the days in a month) over the whole period from May through to mid-October. In the case of the northern part of the coast from Darłowo to Łeba the same was found to be true of the period extending from June through to the middle ten-day period of September, creating conditions favourable for outdoor recreation. - The duration of the bathing season with mean monthly water temperatures ≥18°C is of approximately 45 days along the coast from Darłowo to Łeba, 46-50 days in the central part of the coast, 46-60 days in the area of the Bay of Gdańsk and 61-70 in the area of the Bay of Pomerania. In most years under analysis, there was no identification of a bathing season with mean monthly water temperature ≥18°C in the Kołobrzeg and Władysławowo areas. - The bioclimatic conditions most favourable for recreation and tourism were identified for the area of the Bay of Pomerania, followed by the Bay of Gdańsk. Less-favourable conditions characterise the central part of the coast, while the least favourable circumstances extend through the northern area from Darłowo to Łeba, in which the bioclimate’s stimulatory effect is strongest.- The high spatial variability characterising heat loading of the human organism that it proved possible to identify for the Polish coast offers the possibility of particular regions and seasons being selected for recreation, in relation to tourists’ health status and specific requirements.

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