Regional Climate Models’ Future Simulations of Mean Air Temperature in Greece

The future projections of mean air temperature in Greece for the near future 2021–2050 and distant future 2071–2100 relative to the reference period 1961–1990 are studied, analyzing the simulations from 12 Regional Climate Models (RCMs) within the ENSEMBLES European project. The simulations of the future climate were carried out on annual and seasonal basis under SRES A1B. The results showed that the mean annual air temperature in Greece will present an increase of 1.5°C and 3.2°C, for the periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100 respectively, based on the average of the 12 climatic simulations. This increase is projected to be larger during summer and smaller during winter. Additionally, the projected warming varies among the different climatic simulations concerning the continental regions of the country especially during summer.