The atmospheric circulation conditions of the occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin, southeast Poland

Abstract

Characteristics of heatwaves in Lublin in the years 1951–2015, along with a description of the circulation conditions of heatwaves, are discussed in this paper. A heatwave is defined as the occurrence of at least 3 consecutive days with an air temperature Tx > 30 °C. It can be affected by circulation patterns, which are presented in the form of average distribution maps (i.e. sea level pressure and air temperature in the lower troposphere over the European continent). The occurrence of heatwaves in Lublin is determined by anticyclone stagnation to the east of Poland as well as the surface low‐pressure gradient patterns located over western and central Europe. In recent years, the recorded numbers of days with Tx > 30 °C and the persistence of hot weather have increased (compared to the period 1971–1990). Moreover, extreme values (i.e. when Tx > 35 °C) are observed more frequently in contrast with previous decades.