Genoa lows over Central-Eastern Europe between 2004 to 2024

Abstract The study presents the occurrence of Genoa lows over Central and Eastern Europe during the period 2004-2024. The main research aims were: identification of the tracks of Genoa lows, analysis of their seasonal and interannual variability, and determination of their duration, intensity, and relationship with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). For this maps from the Deutscher Wetterdienst, ERA5 reanalysis data, and monthly NAO Index values were used. On this basis, 81 cases of Genoa lows were identified, and it was found that during the study period, fewer than 13% of cyclones originated outside of the Gulf of Genoa, while more than half of all lows disappeared over Central and Eastern Europe. Genoa cyclones moving along the easterly track predominated (48.1% of all cases), while they moved least frequently over the southern and western parts of the study area. Typically, autumn Genoa lows and those following the easterly path were the longest-lasting (often exceeding 100 hours). At the same time, the shortest duration were the summer lows and those following the southern route. The conducted research showed a continuation of the long-term decrease in the number of lows, as described in the literature, especially in summer cyclones. Significant irregularity and very long hiatuses (exceeding even 400 days) in the occurrence of Genoa lows were also confirmed. Similar to other studies, it was found that the negative phase of the NAO and the meridional circulation favour the genesis of the Genoa lows. However, the lows that formed in winter and moved along the southern track were more often associated with the positive phase of the NAO than the others.