Opposite trends of sea-breeze speeds and gusts in Eastern Spain, 1961–2019

Abstract Most studies on wind variability have deepened into the stilling vs. reversal phenomena at global to regional scales, while long-term changes in local-scale winds such as sea-breezes (SB) represent a gap of knowledge climate research. The state-of-the-art suggests hypothetical reinforcement SB coastal stations. We first developed robust automated method for identification days. Then, by using homogenized observations from 16 stations across Eastern Spain, we identified 9,349 episodes analyzing multidecadal and trends speeds, gusts occurrence 1961–2019. major finding is opposite decoupled speeds gusts: declined significantly all seasons (except winter), strengthened annual scale autumn–winter, being most significant autumn. Our results also show that has increased although presenting contrasting seasonal trends: positive winter negative summer. found more frequent anticyclonic conditions, NAOI + MOI are positively linked occurrence; however, causes behind remain unclear. complex explain, involving both large-scale circulation physical-local factors challenge understanding trends. Further investigation needed assess whether these widespread phenomenon, models could simulate drivers warmer climate.