CLIMATE
The nature reserve area belongs to the Atlantic-Arctic region of two climatic zones:
- subarctic (the northern part of the area, reaching the forest tundra subzone).
- temperate zone (the southern part of the border area, the Northern taiga subzone).
The nature reserve area belongs to the Atlantic-Arctic region of two climatic zones:
- subarctic (the northern part of the area, reaching the forest tundra subzone).
- temperate zone (the southern part of the border area, the Northern taiga subzone).
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Warm air masses from the Atlantic dominate there during the cold season; therefore there are relatively high temperatures in winter and autumn in comparison with other territories at the same latitudes.
Strong cooling periods are connected with dry and cold air mass intrusions from the Arctic, particularly from the Kara Sea and the Taymyr Peninsula.
Summer season is characterized by less cyclones frequency. Warm continental airflows cause hot weather with thunderstorms.
Strong cooling periods are connected with dry and cold air mass intrusions from the Arctic, particularly from the Kara Sea and the Taymyr Peninsula.
Summer season is characterized by less cyclones frequency. Warm continental airflows cause hot weather with thunderstorms.
Warm air masses from the Atlantic dominate there during the cold season; therefore there are relatively high temperatures in winter and autumn in comparison with other territories at the same latitudes.
Strong cooling periods are connected with dry and cold air mass intrusions from the Arctic, particularly from the Kara Sea and the Taymyr Peninsula.
Summer season is characterized by less cyclones frequency. Warm continental airflows cause hot weather with thunderstorms.
Strong cooling periods are connected with dry and cold air mass intrusions from the Arctic, particularly from the Kara Sea and the Taymyr Peninsula.
Summer season is characterized by less cyclones frequency. Warm continental airflows cause hot weather with thunderstorms.
TEMPERATURE
Winter climatic features are determined by sea air masses dominance and intense cyclogenesis.
Winter
Winter is characterized by a sequence of lowest average monthly temperatures between three months. It cannot be always claimed exactly what month is the coldest one.
Winter
Winter is characterized by a sequence of lowest average monthly temperatures between three months. It cannot be always claimed exactly what month is the coldest one.
Average monthly winter temperature, °С
(for the period 1993-2019)
(for the period 1993-2019)
N
N
Northern part
(HMS "Nikel")
(HMS "Nikel")
December: −6,9 °С
January: −9,1 °С
February: −9,5 °С
The coldest month: February
January: −9,1 °С
February: −9,5 °С
The coldest month: February
S
S
Southern part
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
December: −9,9 °С
January: −12,6 °С
February: −12,2 °С
The coldest month: January
January: −12,6 °С
February: −12,2 °С
The coldest month: January
N
N
Northern part
(HMS "Nikel")
(HMS "Nikel")
December: −6,9 °С
January: −9,1 °С
February: −9,5 °С
The coldest month: February
January: −9,1 °С
February: −9,5 °С
The coldest month: February
S
S
Southern part
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
December: −9,9 °С
January: −12,6 °С
February: −12,2 °С
The coldest month: January
January: −12,6 °С
February: −12,2 °С
The coldest month: January
Abnormally low temperatures in the southern part of the nature reserve area were the January absolute minimums (below 37°С) in 1999 (−46,1°С), 2003 (-37,6°С), 2007 (-38,1°С), 2011 (-38,4°С), 2012 (-40,1°С), 2014 and 2016 (-37,5 °С), 2015 (-37,3°С).
The lowest average January temperatures (below the average multi-year temperature in January -12,6°С) in the southern part of the reserve area are registered in the years 1994, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2014-2016, 2018.
Therewith, the absolute record was set in 2016 – at that time the average January temperature was -20,2°С!
The lowest average January temperatures (below the average multi-year temperature in January -12,6°С) in the southern part of the reserve area are registered in the years 1994, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2014-2016, 2018.
Therewith, the absolute record was set in 2016 – at that time the average January temperature was -20,2°С!
Summer
Abnormally high temperatures are the July absolute maximums (above 28°С) in the years 2000 (34,9°С), 2003 (29,8°С), 2005 (29,9°С), 2007 (29,5°С), 2011 (31,2°С), 2013 (29,6°С), 2014 (30,5°С), 2018 (28,9°С).
The highest average July temperatures (above the average multi-year temperature in July 12,6°С) are registered in the southern part of the nature reserve – in the periods 1997-1998, 2001-2005, 2010-2011, 2013-2014, 2016-2018.
Therewith, the absolute record was set in 2018 – at that time the average July temperature was 19°С!
The highest average July temperatures (above the average multi-year temperature in July 12,6°С) are registered in the southern part of the nature reserve – in the periods 1997-1998, 2001-2005, 2010-2011, 2013-2014, 2016-2018.
Therewith, the absolute record was set in 2018 – at that time the average July temperature was 19°С!
Average monthly summer temperature, °С
(for the period 1993-2019)
(for the period 1993-2019)
N
N
Northern part
(HMS "Nikel")
(HMS "Nikel")
June: 9,4 °С
July: 13,8 °С
August: 12 °С
The hottest month: July
July: 13,8 °С
August: 12 °С
The hottest month: July
S
S
Southern part
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
June: 10,2 °С
July: 14,1 °С
August: 11,7 °С
The hottest month: July
July: 14,1 °С
August: 11,7 °С
The hottest month: July
N
N
Northern part
(HMS "Nikel")
(HMS "Nikel")
June: 9,4 °С
July: 13,8 °С
August: 12 °С
The hottest month: July
July: 13,8 °С
August: 12 °С
The hottest month: July
S
S
Southern part
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
June: 10,2 °С
July: 14,1 °С
August: 11,7 °С
The hottest month: July
July: 14,1 °С
August: 11,7 °С
The hottest month: July
Ground frosts are possible in any of the summer months, when there is an Arctic air masses intrusion. First autumn frosts, which indicate the onset of autumn, usually occur in August 28-31 (-1…6°С), but sometimes there can be deviations.
The duration of the frost-free period in the Pasvik River valley (HMS "Nikel"):
The duration of the frost-free period in the Pasvik River valley (HMS "Nikel"):
- minimum – 62 days,
- average – 97 days,
- maximum – 148 days.
Precipitation
Close proximity to the Barents Sea coast defines the intensity and amount of precipitation during a year.
In winter there is more precipitation in the northern area, than in the southern one. However, the thickness of snow cover is more intense in the southern area. It is connected with the evidence of pine forests and distance from the coast, low wind speed as well as a lower temperature.
With the beginning of April the amount of precipitation in the southern area rises somewhat. It considerably increases in July-August, when there is a main mass of rainfalls.
Daily rainfall in summer is more than 10 mm which proved to be a commonplace (it may be repeated several times a season). In winter, daily rainfall of 10 mm occurs very rarely, there is only 0,5 mm of precipitation a day.
In winter there is more precipitation in the northern area, than in the southern one. However, the thickness of snow cover is more intense in the southern area. It is connected with the evidence of pine forests and distance from the coast, low wind speed as well as a lower temperature.
With the beginning of April the amount of precipitation in the southern area rises somewhat. It considerably increases in July-August, when there is a main mass of rainfalls.
Daily rainfall in summer is more than 10 mm which proved to be a commonplace (it may be repeated several times a season). In winter, daily rainfall of 10 mm occurs very rarely, there is only 0,5 mm of precipitation a day.
Close proximity to the Barents Sea coast defines the intensity and amount of precipitation during a year.
In winter there is more precipitation in the northern area, than in the southern one. However, the thickness of snow cover is more intense in the southern area. It is connected with the evidence of pine forests and distance from the coast, low wind speed as well as a lower temperature.
With the beginning of April the amount of precipitation in the southern area rises somewhat. It considerably increases in July-August, when there is a main mass of rainfalls.
Daily rainfall in summer is more than 10 mm which proved to be a commonplace (it may be repeated several times a season). In winter, daily rainfall of 10 mm occurs very rarely, there is only 0,5 mm of precipitation a day.
In winter there is more precipitation in the northern area, than in the southern one. However, the thickness of snow cover is more intense in the southern area. It is connected with the evidence of pine forests and distance from the coast, low wind speed as well as a lower temperature.
With the beginning of April the amount of precipitation in the southern area rises somewhat. It considerably increases in July-August, when there is a main mass of rainfalls.
Daily rainfall in summer is more than 10 mm which proved to be a commonplace (it may be repeated several times a season). In winter, daily rainfall of 10 mm occurs very rarely, there is only 0,5 mm of precipitation a day.
70% of annual precipitation falls in the warm period.
According to the data of both meteorological stations, the autumn minimum falls in September. In October, the precipitation amount surges. This is due to the cyclonic activity development over the Barents Sea.
The outcomes of cyclonic activity:
The outcomes of cyclonic activity:
- there is greater precipitation amount as snow in the northern part of the nature reserve.
- snow cover in the northern part of the nature reserve is generally set one or two days earlier than that in the southern part.
N
N
Northern part
(HMS "Nikel")
(HMS "Nikel")
Precipitation.
Average annual: 523,7 mm
Snow cover.
Average height: 20,5 cm
Average maximum heigh: 70 cm
Occurrence duration: 179 days
Average annual: 523,7 mm
Snow cover.
Average height: 20,5 cm
Average maximum heigh: 70 cm
Occurrence duration: 179 days
S
S
Southern part
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
Precipitation.
Average annual: 526,9 мм
Snow cover.
Average height 34,9 cm
Average maximum heigh: 77 cm
Occurrence duration: 200 days
Average annual: 526,9 мм
Snow cover.
Average height 34,9 cm
Average maximum heigh: 77 cm
Occurrence duration: 200 days
N
N
Northern part
(HMS "Nikel")
(HMS "Nikel")
Precipitation. Average annual: 523,7 mm
Snow cover.
Average height: 20,5 cm
Average maximum heigh: 70 cm
Occurrence duration: 179 days
Snow cover.
Average height: 20,5 cm
Average maximum heigh: 70 cm
Occurrence duration: 179 days
S
S
Southern part
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
(HMS «Yaniskoski»)
Precipitation. Average annual: 526,9 mm
Snow cover.
Average height: 34,9 см
Average maximum heigh: 77 cm
Occurrence duration: 200 days
Snow cover.
Average height: 34,9 см
Average maximum heigh: 77 cm
Occurrence duration: 200 days
Average
Precipitation. Average annual: 526,9 mm
Snow cover.
Average height: 34,9 cm
Average maximum heigh: 77 cm
Occurrence duration: 200 days
Snow cover.
Average height: 34,9 cm
Average maximum heigh: 77 cm
Occurrence duration: 200 days
WIND
The characteristic feature of the territory's wind regime is having monsoon nature (well-marked seasonal change of wind directions). North and northeast winds dominate in summer, whereas south and southwest prevail in winter.
The annual average wind speed:
Most storms occur in March. It is during this period when snow cover thickens and thawing starts. From late March to early April, snow cover height in the Pasvik River valley begins to decrease.
- HMS "Nikel" – 3,7 m/s.
- HMS "Yaniskoski" – 1,7 m/s.
Most storms occur in March. It is during this period when snow cover thickens and thawing starts. From late March to early April, snow cover height in the Pasvik River valley begins to decrease.
Annual average wind speed (m/s)
The annual average wind speed:
Most storms occur in March. It is during this period when snow cover thickens and thawing starts. From late March to early April, snow cover height in the Pasvik River valley begins to decrease.
- HMS "Nikel" – 3,7 m/s.
- HMS "Yaniskoski" – 1,7 m/s.
Most storms occur in March. It is during this period when snow cover thickens and thawing starts. From late March to early April, snow cover height in the Pasvik River valley begins to decrease.
Annual average wind speed (m/s)
HMS «Nikel»
In winter, south winds from the continent typically prevail; the frequency of southwest and southeast winds is almost the same. The total frequency of southwest and southeast winds reaches 70-80% in winter months.
HMS «Nikel». Seasonal frequency of wind direction in winter. CLM frequency – 19%.
HMS «Nikel»
In winter, south winds from the continent typically prevail; the frequency of southwest and southeast winds is almost the same. The total frequency of southwest and southeast winds reaches 70-80% in winter months.
HMS «Nikel». Seasonal frequency of wind direction in winter. CLM frequency – 19%.
In summer, north and northeast winds from the Barents Sea prevail, which frequency totals around 30-40%. The wind direction is less stable in spring and autumn seasons, but south winds remain pretty stable.
HMS «Nikel». Seasonal frequency of wind direction in summer. CLM frequency – 9%.
In summer, north and northeast winds from the Barents Sea prevail, which frequency totals around 30-40%. The wind direction is less stable in spring and autumn seasons, but south winds remain pretty stable.
HMS «Nikel». Seasonal frequency of wind direction in summer. CLM frequency – 9%.
HMS «Yaniskoski»
There are southwest winds in the Yaniskoski during winter; the frequency of south and west winds is almost the same. The total frequency of west winds during winter months is up to 75%.
ГМС Янискоски. Сезонная повторяемость направления ветра (зима). Повторяемость штилей — 27%.
HMS «Yaniskoski»
There are southwest winds in the Yaniskoski during winter; the frequency of south and west winds is almost the same. The total frequency of west winds during winter months is up to 75%.
HMS «Yaniskoski». Seasonal frequency of wind direction in winter. CLM frequency – 27%.
During summer there are winds of northeast direction. The total frequency of northeast and north winds during summer equals to 40-50%. Southwest wind direction prevails in spring and autumn.
HMS «Yaniskoski». Seasonal frequency of wind direction in summer. CLM frequency – 20%.
During summer there are winds of northeast direction. The total frequency of northeast and north winds during summer equals to 40-50%. Southwest wind direction prevails in spring and autumn.
HMS «Yaniskoski» Seasonal frequency of wind direction in summer. CLM frequency – 20%.
CLIMATE CHANGE
In recent years there are noticeable climate changes.
Winter is becoming milder and warmer; there is a decrease in the number of days with absolute minimums of air temperature.
Spring and summer periods are becoming wetter, whereas autumn season is becoming drier.
Vegetation zones are changing, forests are moving onto the north. There are also some changes regarding fauna: so called "southern" species as well as new bird species are showing up.
Winter is becoming milder and warmer; there is a decrease in the number of days with absolute minimums of air temperature.
Spring and summer periods are becoming wetter, whereas autumn season is becoming drier.
Vegetation zones are changing, forests are moving onto the north. There are also some changes regarding fauna: so called "southern" species as well as new bird species are showing up.
Trilateral cooperation on Environmental Challenges in the Joint Border Area
Within the international project "Trilateral cooperation on Environmental Challenges in the Joint Border Area" there has been the collaboration between scientific and environmental protection organizations of Russia, Norway and Finland that work in the area of the Pasvik-Inari area.
The main outcomes of the project:
- harmonization and development of environmental monitoring methods and environmental components.
- explicit focus on climate change and water level regulation in the Pasvik River basin.
- alien species monitoring.
- human health monitoring.
The main outcomes of the project:
- harmonization and development of environmental monitoring methods and environmental components.
- explicit focus on climate change and water level regulation in the Pasvik River basin.
- alien species monitoring.
- human health monitoring.
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The project has developed the air pollution assessment model with regard to climate change. This task was fulfilled by the Murmansk Office for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring together with the Norwegian Institute for Air Research.
Meteorological data exchange between Russian and Norwegian meteorological stations, monitoring the levels of sulfur dioxide and heavy metals in the atmosphere, formulation of the evaluation model for air protection recommendations development.
Meteorological data exchange between Russian and Norwegian meteorological stations, monitoring the levels of sulfur dioxide and heavy metals in the atmosphere, formulation of the evaluation model for air protection recommendations development.
The analysis of meteorological data over the 50-year period has proven the following:
- increase in the average annual air temperature, especially in the previous decades (see fig. 6).
- air temperature increases mainly in winter season.
- the speed of temperature rise is faster at the sites which are close to the Barents Sea coastal area.
- there is an increase in the number of days with absolute maximums of air temperatures.
- on the whole, climate mitigation is indicated for the border area.
Average annual air temperature change (January-December) over the period 1985-2012 recorded at the meteorological stations Nikel and Svanvik. Straight lines show the lineal trends.
The analysis of meteorological data over the 50-year period has proven the following:
- increase in the average annual air temperature, especially in the previous decades (see fig. 6).
- air temperature increases mainly in winter season.
- the speed of temperature rise is faster at the sites which are close to the Barents Sea coastal area.
- there is an increase in the number of days with absolute maximums of air temperatures.
- on the whole, climate mitigation is indicated for the border area.
Average annual air temperature change (January-December) over the period 1985-2012 recorded at the meteorological stations Nikel and Svanvik. Straight lines show the lineal trends.
Illustrations on this website belong to (photo credits): E. Valova, S. Grechany, O. Natalskaya, D. Kochetkov, M. Buzun, V. Buzun, O. Pershin, N. Polikarpova, A. Yakovlev, A. Afanasova, N. Sazhina, G. Dmitrenko, E. Melnikov and Pasvik Nature Reserve.
Illustrations on this website belong to (photo credits): E. Valova, S. Grechany, O. Natalskaya, D. Kochetkov, M. Buzun, V. Buzun, O. Pershin, N. Polikarpova, A. Yakovlev, A. Afanasova, N. Sazhina, G. Dmitrenko, E. Melnikov and Pasvik Nature Reserve.
Pasvik Nature Reserve
Nature
Pasvik Nature Reserve
Nature
International Projects
Visitors
International Projects
Visitors
The site was modernized with the support of the Kolarctic CBC 2014–2020 program, within the framework of this project.
- Gvardeyskiy avenue 43, Nikel, Pechenga District, Murmansk Region, 184421
- +7 815 54 50 700
pasvik.zapovednik@yandex.ru
- If you have an emergency, witnessed a fire or illegal dumping, dial:
- +7 815 54 50 700
+7 921 668 88 81
© Pasvik State Nature Reserve
All rights reserved. Any copying from this site is prohibited without permission of the nature reserve's administration.
All rights reserved. Any copying from this site is prohibited without permission of the nature reserve's administration.
