Nuove carte termometriche e pluviometriche per l'Italia

A new spatial model able to catch the yearly and seasonal distribution of mean temperature and precipitation in Italy is proposed. The LWLR methodology (Local Weighted Linear Regression) allows to have more detailed data at the local scale (spatial resolution <1 km2) modelling the temperature (precipitation) - elevation relationship at a local level for each grid cell, taking into account the topographic similarities between the stations and the grid cell itself. 1961-1990 period was chosen, as it ensures the best historical data availability across Italy. Lowland mean annual temperatures range from 11-14 °C in the Po plain to 18-19 °C in Sicily. The North-South difference is stronger in winter (about 10 °C) than in summer (about 4 °C). Precipitation amounts range from 2500-3000 mm/year in Julian Alps to <400 mm near Foggia (Apulia) and in Southern Sicily.