Analysis of Hydrothermal Conditions in the Rostov Region in the Period 1960–2019

Trends in the changes in air temperature, precipitation, and hydrothermal conditions, as expressed by the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, were analyzed based on data from six meteorological stations in the Rostov region in the period 1960–2019. A significant trend was determined for all meteorological stations: an increase in the average annual air temperature and the sums of temperatures above 10°C. The annual amount of precipitation had a significant upward trend only at the Chertkovo meteorological station, while there was an upward trend at the other five meteorological stations. Against the background of an intense increase in temperatures, the values of the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient tended to decrease for the Gigant, Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, and Tsimlyansk meteorological stations. At the meteorological stations Chertkovo and Remontnoye, an increase in the amount of precipitation compensated for the temperature increase; as a result, the values of the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient tended to increase. The hydrothermal conditions at six meteorological stations in 1960–2019 were characterized as dry, and the mean long-term value of the coefficient varies within 0.64–0.82. The driest conditions are typical of meteorological stations located in the east and northeast of the Rostov region. Based on the calculated trends, it can be concluded that the Gigant, Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, and Tsimlyansk meteorological stations were characterized in 1960–2019 by arid warming, while the Remontnoye and Chertkovo meteorological stations were characterized by humid warming.