LONG-TERM ANALYSIS OF THERMAL COMFORT CONDITIONS DURING HEAT WAVES IN UKRAINE

The aim of this study is assessment of thermal comfort conditions during heat waves in Ukraine in the years 1961-2015. The assessment is based on the thermal index Physiologically Equivalent Temperature. This study uses data from 29 meteorological stations across Ukraine. The research showed an increasing frequency of occurrence of heat waves (HWs) in the territory of Ukraine in the last decades. East and south Ukraine (except of coastal stations) experienced the most strenuous human-biometeorological conditions whilst HWs were recorded in the country. Lower mean PET values were found in Western region of the country. The obtained results suggest that the HW event of 2010 was the longest and the most strenuous HW in human-biometeorological terms since 1961.

Automated summary

The aim of this study is to assess the thermal comfort conditions during heat waves in Ukraine from 1961 to 2015. The study is based on the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature as a thermal index. Data from 29 meteorological stations across Ukraine were used. The research showed an increasing frequency of heat waves in Ukraine in recent decades, with the eastern and southern regions experiencing the most severe human-biometeorological conditions. The 2010 heat wave was found to be the longest and most severe since 1961.