TRENDS OF MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM DAILY TEMPERATURES IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE

Abstract

Changes in maximum and minimum daily temperatures (TMAX and TMIN, respectively) in nine selected regions of central Europe and in Bulgaria during 1951–1990 are investigated. Average series for central Europe are compiled and analyzed by linear trend analysis and the kernel smoothing. The increase in the annual TMAX in central Europe was, during 1951–1990, slightly lower than that of TMIN (0ċ52°C and 0ċ60°C, respectively). This results in a small decrease in the daily temperature range (DTR) by −0ċ08°C. With the exception of the spring TMIN other linear trends are insignificant. The observed insignificant trends in DTR in the central European region are related to small cloudiness changes. Long-term fluctuations of annual TMAX, TMIN, and DTR for eight selected series during the twentieth century are also investigated.