Universal thermal climate index in Russia

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Abstract

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.

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About the authors

V. V. Vinogradova

Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences

Author for correspondence.
Email: vvvinog@yandex.ru
Russian Federation, 29, Staromonetny, Moscow, 119017

References

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Supplementary files

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2. Fig. 1. The Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) for the winter season (December – February): (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010).

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3. Fig. 1. The Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) for the winter season (December – February): (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010).

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4. Fig. 2. The Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) for the summer season (June – August): (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010).

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5. Fig. 2. The Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) for the summer season (June – August): (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010).

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6. Fig. 3. Duration of various gradations of heat exposure (in months) for latitudinal zones: (a) 70 ° –80 ° N; (b) 70 ° –60 ° N; (c) 60 ° –50 ° N; (g) 50 ° –40 ° n.

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7. Fig. 4. The total duration (in months) of the conditions of extreme cold stress, very strong cold stress and severe cold stress: (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010). 1 - the border of the favorable zone, 2 - the southern border of the very unfavorable zone on the map “Regionalization of Russia on the natural conditions of life of the population” [2].

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8. Fig. 4. The total duration (in months) of the conditions of extreme cold stress, very strong cold stress and severe cold stress: (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010). 1 - the border of the favorable zone, 2 - the southern border of the very unfavorable zone on the map “Regionalization of Russia on the natural conditions of life of the population” [2].

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9. Fig. 5. The total duration (in months) of the conditions for the absence of thermal stress and comfort: (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010).

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10. Fig. 5. The total duration (in months) of the conditions for the absence of thermal stress and comfort: (a) for average long-term conditions (1961–1990); (b) for the beginning of the twenty-first century. (2001–2010).

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