Precipitation and Temperature Trends on the Southern Croatian Coast and Islands (NE Mediterranean)
摘要
This study analyzes the series of annual air temperatures and annual precipitations at three meteorological stations located on the southern Croatian coast and islands, which belongs to the northeastern Mediterranean. Basic statistical values of annual precipitation and temperature were compared for two consecutive 30-year periods: 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. The results show a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures, which is characteristic of climate change in the Mediterranean. Linear trends in precipitation and temperature were calculated, based on available measurements from the period 1949–2024. Calculated trends show that the decrease in precipitation is more pronounced on islands (up to −23.4 mm/10 years) than on the coast (−2.2 mm/10 years), while warming has different gradients across stations (from +0.06 °C/10 years to +0.24 °C/10 years). The identified climate trends, which will continue or even intensify, will have a strong impact on numerous natural processes and economic activities. A particular impact is expected on water resources, which are already very limited in the Mediterranean coast and on the islands.