ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE COMFORT IN UKRAINE DURING 2018–2023 ACCORDING TO THE BIOCLIMATIC INDEX OF V.G. BOKSHA

Abstract

This study is relevant due to the growing interest in the impact of weather conditions and changes in meteorological variables (e.g. temperature, pressure and humidity) on human health, particularly in the context of global climate change and the increasing prevalence of meteosensitivity and meteodependence. This study will involve a statistical, mathematical, graphical and cartographic analysis of the temporal and spatial variability of the V.G. Boksha bioclimatic index in Ukraine, with the aim of assessing climate comfort in different regions. The purpose of the study is to evaluate climate comfort dynamics and variations in Ukraine between 2018 and 2023, based on an analysis of the temporal and spatial distribution of the V.G. Boksha bioclimatic index, using data from 26 weather stations (regional centres of Ukraine and Sevastopol). Research methodology: both general scientific and specialised research methods were employed. Among the general scientific methods, the following should be highlighted: 1) comparative and evaluation methods; 2) analysis and synthesis methods; 3) mathematical and statistical methods; and 4) graphical methods. Special methods included computer modelling, cartographic methods and web design methods (development of graphic materials for the study). Research results. The analysis of the V.G. Boksha Isumar bioclimatic index values showed an increase in the duration of the comfortable period in Ukraine. Climate comfort in the 26 studied cities varies throughout the year, ranging from optimal during the warm period (April–September) to irritating during the winter months (December–February), with extreme values being reached on certain days. The number of days with extreme index values ranges from 5–9 days (Uzhhorod, Kyiv) to 30–31 days (Rivne, Sumy). Average monthly Isumar values throughout the year range from 5–10 (May–August) to 25–32 (January–February). The most irritating conditions are observed during the three-month winter period (December–February), when the index may exceed 25–30. The lowest and most optimal index values are recorded during the longer six-month warm period (April–September), when the index remains below 10. Analysis of the annual distribution of days in different index categories indicates that the favourable and comfortable period in Ukraine has increased by 1.5–2 months compared to the 20th century. The calculated average Isumar index for Ukraine for the period 2018– 2023 is 11.8. This is lower than the values (12–15) determined by V.G. Boksha at the end of the 20^(th) century for the same territory. Thus, there has been a general decrease in bioclimatic index values, with many regions of Ukraine approaching optimal levels. This increase in climate comfort may be associated with manifestations of climate change in the region. Online calculators have been developed to calculate the V.G. Boksha bioclimatic index, and these are freely accessible. This enables the index to be used in practice to assess weather comfort in any region of Ukraine or the world for a specific day or period. The results generated by these calculators can supplement daily weather forecasts, informing weather-sensitive individuals of the comfort level of weather conditions. Practical significance: The results obtained can be used for further research in medical climatology and in educational processes, as well as in the study of geographical, medical-biological and tourist-recreational disciplines. The online calculators serve as a practical tool for determining weather comfort in a selected area and time period. Conclusions. Research into the dynamics of bioclimate and individual bioclimatic indicators is an important scientific task. It makes it possible to assess the suitability and comfort of climate and weather conditions in a particular area for humans and their economic activities. Bioclimatic indices are effective tools for analysing bioclimate. Their dynamics allow for a comprehensive assessment of overall climate comfort in a region. Using the V.G. Boksha bioclimatic index as an analytical tool demonstrated its high adaptability to Ukraine and enabled changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of climate comfort indicators, formed under the influence of global climate change, to be identified. Prospects for further research include studying the relationship between the dynamics of the V.G. Boksha bioclimatic index and human health and well-being. This will involve conducting surveys of volunteers and analysing wellbeing diaries, which will then be compared to index values. There are also plans to improve the empirical formula of the bioclimatic index by taking into account newly acquired knowledge about the dynamics of climate comfort under modern conditions.