Variations in temperature-related extreme events (1975-2014) in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

Abstract

We present a comprehensive analysis of temperature-related extreme events in Ny-Ålesund (78.9°N, 11.9°E) using data from three meteorological stations. The results show that annual mean temperatures in Ny-Ålesund increase at a rate that is four times faster than the global mean from 1975 to 2014 with no 'hiatus' in recent decades. The annual diurnal temperature range shows a negative trend as minimum daily temperature increases at a faster rate than maximum daily temperature. A negative trend in cold extremes and a positive trend in warm extremes are observed. This asymmetry hints at potential changes in the probability distribution of temperatures in Ny-Ålesund.