Trends And Extremes In Local Climatic Conditions As Prerequisites For Tourism In The Stiavnicke Vrchy Mts

One of the most important factors limiting the growth of tourist and holiday activities in a selected area is the climate conditions determining the tourism potential of this area in a long-term prospect. This paper deals with the history of climatic conditions, especially climatic characteristics (heat waves, the number of summer days, hot and freezing days, frequency of rainless periods), in the Banska Stiavnica region (Central Slovakia). An additional drought-related research was also carried out with using the climate water-balance data. Meteorological variables were measured at Banska Stiavnica (48 degrees 26' N, 18 degrees 55' E, 575 ma.s.l.) during the period 2000-2017. The Stiavnicke vrchy Mts have a relatively mild climate allowing to perform all-year-round activities. Our results have confirmed the significant increase in air temperature and in the number of drought periods along with the occurrence of abnormal or extreme weather fluctuations in the Stiavnicke vrchy Mts, continually observed over the recent years.