An Evolution of Climate in Greece by the Johansson, Kerner and Pinna Indices

To analyze the climatic evolution of Greece, the ERA5-Land dataset, providing high spatial (~9 km) and temporal (daily) resolution, was utilized. Since the dataset comes from reanalysis (surface, satellite, and radiosonde measurements assimilated with the forecast model), it is ideal for assessing atmospheric variations. Input parameters were used to calculate the Johansson, Kerner, and Pinna climatic indices during the 1964–1993 and 1994–2023 periods. Along with the spatial distribution of the indices for each time interval, the spatial statistics related to the phytogeographical regions of Greece were also demonstrated. The results indicate a clear shift in the climate’s characterization by more “Continental” and more “Moderate Dry” classes, mostly in inland parts of the country. Outcomes involving the mapping material along with spatial statistics data may shed light on the spatial and temporal changes in the climate over the Greek peninsula.