Wind Extremes and Indices in Hungary Based on Homogenized Data Series

Abstract

Modern aviation meteorology as well as other applied meteorology necessitates the detailed analysis of wind climate parameters, extremes and trends using homogenized observed wind data for long-range planning and daily meteorological support. The Multiple Analysis of Series for Homogenization, MASH v3.03 developed at the Hungarian Meteorological Service was used for homogenization of available daily wind speed time series between 1975 and 2012 for measurement records of Hungarian synoptic stations. Mean and extreme values of wind fields, as well as their spatial distribution and the detected trends were analysed. Similarly to the widely used temperature and precipitation climate indices, wind related climate indices were defined. Analysis of these indices could answer whether the frequencies of windy, gusty days and calm periods have increased or decreased in the recent past. This is especially important from the urban point of view where air pollution is a major environmental issue leading to many health problems.