The analysis, covering the period since 1959, reveals that the average temperature in the mountain range has increased by 1.9°C, reaching up to 2.7°C during the summer months. This trend translates into a reduction of three frost days and an increase of 4.9 summer days per decade.
Over the analyzed period, the Pyrenees have lost a total of 20 frost days and gained 32 summer days, characterized by maximum temperatures above 25°C. Furthermore, there is a constant increase in tropical nights and a longer duration of heatwaves, while extreme cold spells decrease.
“"A clear trend is emerging towards a warmer Pyrenean climate as a whole and, on the southern slope, drier."
The warming not only affects air temperature but also has a direct impact on aquatic ecosystems. The study, conducted in collaboration with various entities and linked to the LIFE Pyrenees4Clima project, has detected an increase in the water temperature of Pyrenean lakes.
“"We are facing an increase in lacustrine heatwaves and a reduction in the period during which lakes are covered by ice, with changes in the water column that can lead to anoxia episodes, a situation that severely alters ecosystems."
