Temperature monitoring in Epirus

Air temperature monitoring through sensors is being carried out as part of the continuation of the CONSERVE CONNECT project. Air temperature is a critical parameter for detecting trends related to climate change, and already from the first phase of the project, the results confirmed the adverse conditions described to us by local communities. One of the most severe impacts of rising temperatures is the reduction in the number of snow-cover days.

According to data from the National Observatory of Athens, during the period 1991-2020, Northwestern Greece, especially inland areas far from the sea, experienced the highest temperature increase, up to +2.2°C, compared to a national average of +1.5°C. For the same region and period, the total number of snow-cover days has decreased by 60 days per year. Looking ahead, climate scenarios indicate that the accelerating loss of snow will effectively lead to the loss of a key link in the hydrological cycle, since snow, melting slowly, recharges groundwater aquifers most efficiently.

For these reasons, our team proceeded not only with the reinstallation (after maintenance) of temperature sensors at the water-supply intervention sites, but also with the installation of a meteorological station in Ganadio. By the coming summer, an additional station will be installed in Kastaniani.

We warmly thank the Local Action Group from Monastiri and Kerasovo for their support during the installations, as well as Lilli and Mattia, new friends of the project.

The project is supported by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), which funds initiatives that strengthen biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services in Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, promoting collaboration between citizens, scientists, and organizations.