Assessment of Temperature and Humidity Extremes in Russia for 1980–2022

This article analyzes air temperature and precipitation extremes in the Russian Federation for 1980–2022. Using ERA5 reanalysis data at grid points with a resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°, 27 climate extremeness indices recommended by the WMO Climate Change Detection Panel (CCD/CLIVAR) have been calculated based on hourly air temperature and precipitation data. The spatial distribution of the indices and their linear trends in various regions of Russia are analyzed. The following should be noted among the ongoing consequences of global warming in Russia: a widespread increase in the duration of the warm period, reaching a maximum rate on the Asian Arctic coast (up to 4–5 days/10 years), and a longer growing season, especially in the northern regions of the country. The number of hot days with maximum temperatures exceeding 25°C is also increasing. In the south of European Russia (ER), the increase rate reaches 7–10 days/10 years. At the same time, both the duration of the cold period (in the north of the country by 8–10 days/10 years) and the number of days with severe frosts below –20°C are decreasing. Overall, annual precipitation is increasing across Russia, with the exception of the southern grain-producing regions of the European part and Transbaikal. These regions are experiencing increasing summer aridity, and an increase in the maximum duration of dry periods (consecutive dry days with precipitation <1 mm/day) has been observed, at a rate of up to 4–5 days/10 years. The southern part of the Far East stands out in terms of the increase in annual heavy precipitation, with an increase of ~10 mm/10 years, which can contribute to the occurrence of floods. The dynamics of temperature and humidity extremes in Russia are determined by the region’s location, proximity to the ocean, the nature of the terrain, and large-scale atmospheric circulation.