Air Temperature and Humidity Variability on the Continental and Maritime Slopes of Biokovo Mountain, Croatia

Mountain regions are among the most sensitive to climate change and serve as important indicators of ongoing environmental change. Due to their complex topography, strong elevation gradients, and pronounced local atmospheric processes, mountainous environments often display considerable spatial variability in meteorological conditions over short distances. This makes them particularly valuable for studying climatic variability and extremes. In this context, the CroClimExtremes project initiated the first systematic measurements of air temperature and humidity on Biokovo, a coastal Croatian mountain characterised by complex relief and marked climatic contrasts.
In February 2024, a network of 22 measuring devices was installed along two mountain transects. The first transect was established on the maritime slope, extending from sea level to 1650 m a.s.l., while the second was set up on the continental slope, ranging from 602 to 1650 m a.s.l. This observational design enables a direct comparison of meteorological conditions between the seaward and landward sides of the mountain, as well as an assessment of vertical variability along both slopes.
The main objective of the measurements is to investigate the spatial and temporal characteristics of air temperature and humidity on Biokovo and to identify potential extreme weather and microclimatic conditions. Preliminary analyses reveal pronounced differences in both variables across altitude and between the continental and maritime slopes. In addition to differences in absolute values, clear variations were detected in diurnal and annual cycles, as well as in vertical gradients of temperature and absolute humidity. These patterns point to the strong influence of elevation, slope orientation, complex topography, and local meteorological processes on the observed distribution of atmospheric conditions.
The dataset collected on Biokovo represents the first of its kind for a mountainous area in Croatia. As such, it provides an important foundation for a more detailed understanding of the climatic characteristics of this topographically complex environment. The results contribute not only to improved knowledge of local-scale atmospheric processes, but also to a broader understanding of mountain climate variability in coastal and inland transition zones. This research therefore offers valuable insights into the role of topography in shaping temperature and humidity patterns and provides a basis for future studies of climatic extremes in Croatian mountain regions.