Impacts of regional climate change on hazardous hydrometeorological events in Azerbaijan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26565/2410-7360-2026-64-17Keywords:
Climate change, air temperature, atmospheric precipitation, river discharge, water resources, hail, snow avalanches, extreme hydrometeorological parameters, flood events, AzerbaijanAbstract
Problem definition. Currently observed climate change on Earth is exerting its impacts across all regions. Contemporary warming is manifested more prominently in the mid-latitudes. Over time, changes in the spatiotemporal recurrence of hazardous hydrometeorological events necessitate continuous monitoring of the current state of hydrometeorological elements.
Formulation of the purpose. The article is devoted to the impacts of global climate change on regional climate change in Azerbaijan and the hazardous hydrometeorological events it generates, with particular emphasis on river water resources. Global climate change on Earth is briefly analyzed, and its regional impacts on the territory of Azerbaijan are investigated based on a comparative analysis of recent and long-term historical observational data.
Research methods. In the study, annual indicators of climatic elements were obtained using mathematical and statistical methods. To monitor recent changes, a comparative analysis was conducted between standard climatic values (1961–1990) and corresponding indicators from shorter time periods.
The main material. The study utilizes observational data collected from 61 active meteorological and 84 hydrological stations of the National Hydrometeorology Service operating on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The dataset covers the period 1961–2025 and includes measurements of various hydrometeorological elements.
Conclusions. The analysis shows that, relative to the long-term climatic norm (1961– 1990), the mean annual temperature increase in the country was 1.1°C for the period 1991–2025, while it reached 1.3°C for 2007–2025. However, in 2025 alone, this increase amounted to 1.8°C. For the indicated periods, a continuous decline is observed in both annual precipitation amounts and river discharge. Significant changes in river flow regimes are taking place, including a decrease in discharge volumes during spring– autumn flood and high-water periods, and an increase during low-water winter periods. The dynamics of hazardous hydrometeorological processes causing natural disasters in the country are intensifying in connection with regional climate change. At the same time, it is emphasized that the obtained empirical results should be utilized by the scientific community and taken into account in various applied and planning projects.
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