An introduction to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

Błażejczyk, Krzysztof; Jendritzky, Gerd; Bröde, Peter; Fiala, Dusan; Havenith, George; Epstein, Yoram; Psikuta, Agnes; Kampmann, Bernhard

doi:10.7163/gpol.2013.1

Cited by 347 publications

(233 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Both mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) and UTCI were calculated with the use of the BioKlima 2.6 software package (Błażejczyk 2005). The assessment of bioclimatic conditions of Lubuskie Voivodeship was conducted using the thermal stress scale for UTCI calculated according to its study design and methodological assumptions (see articles in the current issue Błażejczyk et al 2013;Bröde et al 2013). This paper includes mean, maximum and minimum UTCI values in the annual, monthly and daily course together with the analysis of the linear regression trend.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioclimatic conditions of the Lubuskie Voivodeship

Mąkosza¹

2013

Geogr. Pol.

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The objective of the present work is to present the temporal and spatial characteristics of the bioclimatic conditions of the Lubuskie Voivodeship. The daily timed values (12UTC) of meteorological elements in the period 1971-2006 from three stations (Słubice, Gorzów Wielkopolski and Zielona Góra) were used as the basis for the calculations. In order to assess the bioclimatic conditions, a thermal stress index UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) that is calculated with the use of BioKlima 2.6 software was applied. The analysis shows that thermal stress related to 'slight and moderate cold stress' and 'no thermal stress' is a dominant factor (80%) affecting the bioclimatic conditions of the Lubuskie Voivodeship. During the analysed period, days with thermal stress related to cold stress occurred more frequently than those with thermal stress related to heat stress. On the basis of a linear regression trend, a positive trend for thermoneutral conditions days and heat related stress days (UTCI>32°C), as well as a negative trend for cold related stress (UTCI<-13°), were ascertained. Key words UTCI • bioclimatic conditions • stress category • Lubuskie Voivodeship • linear trend 38Agnieszka Mąkosza conditions, weather conditions and land use greatly affect the given area's bioclimate and its particular characteristics (Kozłowska-Szczęsna et al. 1997). As far as tourism and recreation are concerned, weather and climatic conditions are important nature values. The influence of the weather and climate on man is a complex issue, since it includes numerous physical conditions which change over time and space, and the physiological reactions of the human body when exposed to the stimuli of the atmospheric environment (Krawczyk 1995). Most case studies concerning bioclimatic conditions make use of compound indices that are based on human heat balance as regards the subjective thermal perception of a given organism. Recently, a new index -UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index) -has been developed (Błażejczyk et. al. 2010a(Błażejczyk et. al. , 2010b. It is based on a multi-node model of the human heat balance which considers heat transfer occurring in the human body and on its surface, and physiological thermoregulatory mechanisms. Data obtained with the use of UTCI constitute objective thermal stress values. It is valid to analyse bioclimatic conditions in this region of Poland since case studies concerning climatic conditions of this region, especially bioclimatic conditions, are relatively rare (Kalbarczyk & Kalbarczyk 2008; Mąkosza 2009; Mąkosza & Michalska 2010, 2011. The results can be of use to local and administrative authorities of the voivodeship and provide insight and data which can be useful for promotion and tourism. The objective of this work is to present the temporal and spatial variability of UTCI and assess the bioclimatic conditions of the lakeland type area as confined to the administrative borders of the Lubuskie Voivodeship. Materials and methodsMeteorological data was obtained from three w...

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioclimatic conditions of the Lubuskie Voivodeship

Mąkosza¹

2013

Geogr. Pol.

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“…Thermal stress classes proposed earlier, were adopted (see articles in the current issue Błażejczyk et al 2013;Bröde et al 2013). Frequencies corresponding to 12 UTC are presented in Table 1.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The index values exceeding 26°C represent heat stress, and values below 9°C -cold stress. Four classes of heat stress are distinguished as well as five classes of cold stress, and a 'no thermal stress' class (see articles in the current issue Błażejczyk et al 2013;Bröde et al 2013). Daily values of zonal and meridional circulation indices (ZI and MI) were calculated following formulas by Lityński (1969Lityński ( , 1970.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The UTCI Index in Lesko and Lublin and its circulation determinants

Nowosad¹,

Rodzik²,

Wereski³

et al. 2013

Geogr. Pol.

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In Lesko and Lublin, Poland, from 1981 to 2005, the UTCI values were calculated for 8 observation terms a day. The frequency of the UTCI classes determined as 'cold stress' was dominant in . The frequency of classes determined as 'heat stress' was observed in 3% of all situations. On the other hand, restricted to the 12 UTC July and August term, the frequency of heat stress classes exceeded 40% in Lublin. Correlation between the UTCI in Lesko and Lublin (Poland) was stronger in spring and autumn than in summer and winter. Correlation between the UTCI and the meridional circulation index was more significant than between the UTCI and zonal circulation index in the period from April to November in both stations. The opposite situation occurred in February. Key words UTCI • cold stress • heat stress • atmospheric circulation • zonal circulation index • meridional circulation indexGeographia Polonica 2013, 86, 1, pp. 29-36 Material and methodsIn this paper, UTCI values from terms 00 UTC to 21 UTC (every 3 hours) in Lesko and Lublin-Radawiec were used. In Lesko, the IMGW weather station is located in the south-east part of the city (=49°28'N, =22°21'E), at an altitude of 420 m a.s.l. The Sanocko-Turczańskie Mountain region (the Carpatians) is located in this area. The IMGW weather station in Radawiec (=51°13'N, =22°24'E) is located within the Bełżyce Plateau area, at an altitude of 238 m a.s.l. The north area of the meteorological station grounds borders the grassy airport Aeroclub of Lublin Radawiec. The Lublin-Radawiec station is located on flat land. Lesko, on a local scale, has a convex relief form. On the other hand, the Lesko station situated in the mesoscale, has a concave relief form. The mountain ridges are about 120-200 m higher than the meteorological station and these ridges are situated 4-8 km SW and NE from Lesko (Nowosad 2007).The analysis covered the period from 1981 to 2005. The values were calculated with the application of BioKlima 2.6 software (Błażejczyk 2011).Daily values of zonal and meridional circulation indices (ZI and MI) were calculated following formulas by Lityński (1969Lityński ( , 1970. These indices are published on the Internet (Nowosad 2012). They are based on daily values of surface level pressure (SLP) available from NCEP/NCAR reanalysis (Kalnay et al. 1996). Calculations of ZI were based on differences in mean SLP on parallels 40° and 65°N (between 0° and 35°E with 2.5° step). Calculations of MI were based on differences in the average pressure on 35°E and 0° meridians (between 40° and 65°N, also with 2.5° step). Hence, ZI and MI characterize the daily large-scale pattern of general circulation valid for Poland and are the base of a synoptic climatology (Lityński 1969(Lityński , 1970 Nowosad 2011).The frequency of occurrence of specific thermal stress classes (according to the UTCI) in individual months in Lesko and Lublin was determined. Thermal stress classes proposed earlier, were adopted (see articles in the current issue Błażejczyk et al. 2013;Bröde et al....

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“…The Insulation Predicted index is a measure of adaptation to cold through changes in the insulative properties of clothing (Burton & Edholm 1955, Fourt & Hollies 1970. The Universal Thermal Climate Index in turn points to the physiological response of an organism to actual ambient conditions , Błażejczyk et al 2013.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biothermal contrasts while travelling in or between Poland and Bulgaria

Milewski

Szmyd

2015

Eur. XXI

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Abstract. Given that the number of tourists travelling between Poland and Bulgaria increases every year, this article considers the adaptation strain facing those who move between certain sites on national or international routes. The Adaptation Strain Index (ASI) was applied for this purpose, and seasonal and spatial patterns of bioclimatic contrasts were considered. While travel within one or other of the countries does not prove particularly oppressive, it may sometimes lead to moderate adaptation strain. In contrast, international travel may prove especially stressful in summer and winter, to the extent that even very strong adaptation strain may be evoked. The results confirm the utility of the Adaptation Strain Index in measuring the bioclimatic contrasts between different locations.

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An introduction to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)

Cited by 347 publications

References 11 publications

Bioclimatic conditions of the Lubuskie Voivodeship

Bioclimatic conditions of the Lubuskie Voivodeship

The UTCI Index in Lesko and Lublin and its circulation determinants

Biothermal contrasts while travelling in or between Poland and Bulgaria

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