Assessment of bioclimatic comfort of the central territory of the Volga Federal District

Abstract

Assessment of weather and climate conditions is significant for many aspects of life and activities of the population of the country and individual territories. The bioclimatic comfort of the city of Nizhny Novgorod was assessed by the wind cooling index and the equivalent effective temperature at various combinations of temperature and wind speed: average values, average temperature and maximum wind, minimum temperature and average wind, minimum temperature and maximum wind. A wavy annual dynamics of air humidity has been established: the minimum in April, increasing towards December. The highest values of the minimum, average and maximum positive temperature in July (from 13.4±0.60С to 25.0±1.10С), the lowest — in February (from –11.9±3.10С to — 5.7±1.80C). Average wind 2.6±0.2 (August) — 4.1±2.0 m / s (November); maximum 4.7±0.2 (July) — 7.7±0.7 m / s (November and February). The duration of the period, estimated as a «cold environment», from 5 to 9 months. With average temperatures and winds, there is no risk of hypothermia for a seasonally dressed person. With minimum temperatures and maximum winds, there is a risk of hypothermia during the winter months. According to the equivalent effective temperature, optimal conditions were created only in the summer months. With average temperature and wind conditions were assessed as «cold» in March ( — 11.1±2.10С), «very cold» in December ( —19.4±0.80С) and in January ( — 20.9±1.30С); in February — and as a «threat of frostbite» ( — 22.0±2.40C). Under the influence of the minimum temperature and maximum wind, the health risk, assessed as «very cold» and «threat of frostbite», was determined in November-March. Assessment of the weather and climate conditions of the environment in the city according to the generally accepted method has a less pronounced degree of discomfort than the extreme values of physical factors. This must be taken into account when carrying out work in an open area at night, and when planning meetings for city guests when visiting it on excursions and other events.