Air Temperature at Tarfala Research Station 1946–1995

ABSTRACT

Air temperatures at Tarfala Research Station have been measured during the summers of 1946 to 1995. Since 1965 several different types of automatic systems have been used for measurements throughout the entire year. Mean annual temperature for the period 1965 to 1995 was -3.9°C. Mean summer (June-August) and mean winter temperatures (October-April) were +5.5°C and -8.9°C respectively. The mean annual temperature shows a weak warming trend which is caused by increasing winter temperatures and slightly decreasing summer temperatures. The amplitude between the temperature of the coldest winter month and that of the warmest month of the following summer decreased by 0.8°C per decade during the period from 1965 to 1995, indicating a change towards a more maritime climate in the Tarfala Valley.