Thermal and precipitation variability across four seasons in Poland (1951–2020)

Abstract

Abstract This paper shows spatial variability of temperature and precipitation conditions across the four seasons in Poland and examines long-term trends in these parameters. The spatial variability of temperature in Poland is caused primarily by the clash of oceanic air masses from the west and continental air masses from the east. The spatial distribution of precipitation depends strongly on the relief and altitude above sea level. The seasons are generally getting warmer. However, average temperatures increase over time at different rates and levels of significance. Except in winter, no statistically significant trends were found in the seasonal precipitation totals. Seasons are periods when certain climatic conditions prevail. Depending on the criteria adopted, different types of seasons can be distinguished, such as meteorological, thermal, and calendar seasons. These are considered in this research. Consequently, different time frames of seasons result in varying values and patterns of meteorological characteristics. In this research, this concept is presented using Poland as an example.