Grażyna Pluta
Geographical Studies, Issue 139, 2014, pp. 69 - 78
https://doi.org/10.4467/20833113PG.14.026.3016Circulation conditions of the extreme amount of cloudiness in the western part of Polish Carpathians
In spite of the fact that cloudiness is not a direct reason of extreme meteorological events, it is a visual indicator of atmospheric conditions influencing the formation of other meteorological elements. It can also help in forecasting and explaining meteorological phenomena. In this paper selected characteristics of cloudiness in periods with anomalous and extreme amount of cloudiness at three synoptic stations in the western part of Polish Carpathians were analyzed. Months with anomalous and years with extreme amount of cloudiness were taken into account. Records of cloudiness observations in the years 1971–2000 at selected synoptic stations of Institute of Meteorology and Water Management ( Bielsko-Biała, Kasprowy Wierch, Zakopane ) were used in this analysis. Data from the Calendar of synoptic situations for Southern Poland by Niedźwiedź (2011) regarding circulation patterns and air masses from the appropriate period were used as well. This analysis indicated a distinct influence of atmospheric circulation on the occurrence of anomalous amount of cloudiness and some modifications of this influence by local conditions. It also showed differences between the processes that form anomalous amount of cloudiness at different locations in the analyzed mountain area.