A solar pattern in the longest temperature series from three stations in Europe

Abstract

Abstract We analyze the longest temperature series from Prague, Bologna and Uccle. We partition daily minimum and maximum temperatures and their differences in two subsets as a function of high vs low solar activity, using the superimposed epochs method. Differences display patterns with significant amplitudes and time constants ∼3 months. These are recognized in all stations and are stable against a change in the analyzed period. Amplitude of variations is ∼1 °C. Differences between average annual values corresponding to high vs low activity periods are also ∼1 °C. Solar activity may account for these long-term temperature variations. These variations also present local characteristics, which may render identification of a global correlation delicate. We discuss possible physical mechanisms by which solar variation could force climate changes (e.g. through solar activity itself, the EUV part of the solar flux, cosmic rays, the downward ionosphere-earth current density, etc.).