Long-term dynamics of weather pathogenicity and bioclimatic comfort in the city of Kharkiv
Abstract
Purpose. To determine the main trends of long-term changes in weather pathogenicity indicators in Kharkiv based on the methodology for determining weather pathogenicity indices adapted by the authors.
Methods. The assessment was carried out on the basis of the weather pathogenicity index (J), which takes into account the complex impact of the main meteorological parameters on the human body.
Results. The investigates the long-term dynamics of weather pathogenicity and bioclimatic comfort in the city of Kharkiv. The assessment was carried out using the weather pathogenicity index (J), which considers the combined influence of major meteorological parameters on the human body. Seasonal and interannual variability of the indicators during 2017–2025 was analyzed. Based on the analysis of the main meteorological indicators (air temperature and humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure and their daily fluctuations), it was established that the highest values of weather pathogenicity are characteristic of the cold period of the year. The highest pathogenicity values were found during the cold period of the year, whereas relatively comfortable weather conditions prevailed in summer. At this time, increased values of the J index are observed (>20), which is due to a combination of low temperatures, significant wind speed and sharp inter-daily fluctuations in meteorological indicators. In the summer season, the most comfortable bioclimatic conditions generally prevail. The average values of the J index during this period are the lowest for the year (J < 9), which is associated with the relative stability of atmospheric processes and lower contrast of meteorological parameters. The spring and autumn periods are characterized by significant instability of weather conditions and increased variability of the pathogenicity index. Interannual analysis demonstrated a tendency to increase the variability of the pathogenicity index values during the studied period.
Conclusions. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of using the weather pathogenicity index as an integral indicator for assessing the bioclimatic state of urbanized areas. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the results for medical and meteorological forecasting, assessing the recreational potential of the territory, as well as developing measures for the adaptation of the population to adverse weather conditions in the context of climate change.
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