Changes in the Meteorological Conditions in Republic of Kalmykia in 1970-2020

The Republic of Kalmykia is located in the arid and water-deficient regions of the European part of Russia. Arid landscapes are most vulnerable to changes in climatic conditions. Changes in meteorological conditions between 1970 and 2020 have been considered. There has been an increase in average annual temperature across the region. In Elista, the average temperature increased by 0.9 °C compared to the previous period; in Yashkul, it increased by 1 to 1.2 °C; and in Lagan, it was 1 °C. Winters have been warmer than average by 0.6 to 0.9 °C, springs by 0,5 to 1 °C, and summers by 1,2 to 1,5°C. Autumn has seen the lowest temperatures, with a decrease of 0.1 to 0.2 °C. The distribution of average annual and monthly precipitation is revealed: as continentality increases, precipitation decreases from 366 mm to 221 mm. An analysis of long-term precipitation changes from 1970 to 2020 showed that on average there is an increase in precipitation in Elista and a slight decrease in the last decade in Yashkul and Lagan. Annual precipitation increased from 315 mm (1970–1979) to 393 mm (2010–2019) in Elista. There is also an increase in winter (62–80 mm) and spring precipitation (63–118 mm). Thus, the spring season has seen a significant increase. The summertime is characterized by increases in the first decade and decreases since the 2000s, with a similar pattern for autumn precipitation. Peak precipitation occurred in the 1990–1999 period, after which it decreased significantly. Desert areas saw an increase in annual rainfall rates (282 mm) compared to historical data (252 mm), which continued until 2009 at 292 mm before decreasing again at 266 mm. The amount of precipitation increases slightly in winter. The situation is similar for the rest of the seasons, with an increase until the 1990s, after which there is a decline. However, summer and autumn precipitation are slightly higher than average.