The variability of maximum wind gusts in the Czech Republic between 1961 and 2014
2017
This contribution employs instrumental records to analyse the
temporal and spatial variability of monthly, seasonal and
annual maximum wind gusts (MWGs) in the Czech Republic. The
development of an observation network capable of measuring wind
gusts, the possible technical weaknesses of wind measurements
and problems with establishing homogeneity in wind-gust data
are described. For the 1961–2014 period, quality-checked data
from 19 synoptic stations of the Czech Hydrometeorological
Institute throughout the territory of the Czech Republic are
examined, divided into three altitudinal groups. In terms of
the spatial variability of MWGs, correlation coefficients
between stations decreasemore strongly in relation to station
distance rather than altitude. Spatial correlations are better
expressed (by higher correlation coefficients) in the winter
half-year than in the summer half-year. Linear trends in
monthly, seasonal and annual MWGs for the 19 synoptic stations,
for their three altitudinal groups, and for the entire Czech
Republic show statistically significant decreases (deepest in
November and autumn), with the exception of spring (for
stations above 300 m) and summer. The 10 highest MWG events of
all are selected. The spatial distribution of wind gusts for
two prominent windstorms, Kyrill (18–19 January 2007) and Emma
(1–2 March 2008), are presented. Changes in MWGs series are
compared with fluctuations in atmospheric circulation
responding to the North Atlantic Oscillation. Decreasing MWG
trends are discussed with respect to diminishing storminess and
surface wind speeds (wind stilling) recorded during recent
decades in Europe, as well as over other continents.
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