The maximum temperatures and heat waves in Serbia during the summer of 2007

Abstract

An extraordinary heat wave occurred in Serbia from July 14 to July 24 in 2007. Record values of the maximum temperatures were observed over almost the whole territory of Serbia and in Smederevska Palanka, a temperature of 44.9°C was registered, which was the absolute maximum value ever recorded. The highest increase over the previous absolute maximum temperature, dating back to 1888, of 3.1°C was registered in Belgrade. The Warm Spell Duration Indicator, from which the duration and severity of the heat waves are estimated, was applied to the series of the daily maximum temperatures in Smederevska Palanka. An analysis of the daily maximum temperatures and heat waves during the summer of 2007 revealed significant changes in the trends of anomalies and extreme (90%) quantiles. In addition, the main characteristics of the heat wave and the circulation conditions which caused the heat wave in Serbia during the summer 2007 were analyzed.