CHANGES IN SUMMER AND TROPICAL DAYS AT THE LAKES DISTRICT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION OF TURKEY BETWEEN THE PERIOD OF 1969-2014

Abstract

Summer and tropical days are determined about the daily maximum air temperature values. Examining the annual numbers of summer and tropical days is one of the methods to reveal changes and trends in air temperatures and therefore in climate on a global, regional and local scale. This study aims to examine the long-term changes and trends of the annual numbers of summer and tropical days of the Lakes District of Turkey, which is located in the transition zone between Mediterranean climate and Central Anatolia continental climate between the period of 1969–2014 at 11 meteorological stations. Singular scanning method was used in the study. The results suggest that the numbers of summer and tropical days changed within the years of the period examined. In the analyzed period, it has been determined that the annual numbers of summer and tropical days and the annual numbers of tropical days change within years and periods, and show an increase, and trend lines also indicate an increase. It was determined that the number of tropical days showed a significant increase trend in all stations and in the average of the study area. Also, it has been determined that the annual numbers of summer days generally decrease over the years and periods and the trend lines also indicate a decrease. The number of summer days shows a decreasing trend that is not significant in Beyşehir, Eğirdir and Uluborlu stations, but significant in other stations and in the average of the study area. The increasing trend in tropical days can be considered as a potential risk for human health and activities and natural environment.