Analysis of tropical nights in Spain (1970¿2023): Minimum temperatures as an indicator of climate change

In the current context of climate change, the increase in minimum temperatures recorded in recent decades has received special scientific attention due to its importance for the proper night's sleep and health of the population, among other considerations. One of the main indicators usually con...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Correa González, Jordan, Dorta Antequera, Pedro Javier, López Díez, Abel, Díaz-Pacheco, Jaime
Formato: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Recursos:Universidad de La Laguna (ULL)
Repositorio:RIULL. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de La Laguna
OAI Identifier:oai:riull.ull.es:915/39695
Acesso em linha:http://riull.ull.es/xmlui/handle/915/39695
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:climate change
minimum temperature
night-time temperature
trends
tropical night
Descrição
Resumo:In the current context of climate change, the increase in minimum temperatures recorded in recent decades has received special scientific attention due to its importance for the proper night's sleep and health of the population, among other considerations. One of the main indicators usually considered refers to the frequency of tropical nights (≥20 C), which have begun to become widespread in regions hitherto excluded from this type of event. This paper analyses tropical nights in Spain between 1970 and 2023, addressing their mean annual occurrence, their intensity, their monthly distribution and the average number of consecutive tropical nights recorded, as well as their relationship with relative humidity. The results, based on the analysis of 75 homogenized series located in 44 different provinces, allow us to differentiate seven large areas based on the minimum temperature in which there has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of tropical nights, which progressively extend the season in which they can appear. Similarly, a generalized increase in the maximum number of consecutive nights thermally above 20 C was identified, in addition to the presence of high relative humidity in coastal areas during these episodes.