Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Frost Regime in the Iberian Peninsula in the Context of Climate Change (1975–2018)

Climate change is having many effects in the agricultural sector, which are being studied worldwide. Undoubtedly, warmer winters and earlier springs produce changes frost regimes severity that will affect sustainability of production area. The Mediterranean region Iberian Peninsula (IP) among areas where greatest impact climate expected. Daily data from 68 weather stations IP belonging to European Assessment Dataset (1975–2018) were used conduct a spatiotemporal study regime. variables calculated include probability three types according their severity, day, mean absolute minimum yearly temperature, first last frost-free period. These integrated into geographic information system, allowed graphical visualization patterns using geostatistical interpolation techniques (kriging). Changes investigated Mann–Kendall test Sen’s slope estimator. A general reduction number frosts per year observed (values between ?0.04- ?0.8-day year), as well an increase temperature 0.04 0.10 °C with very high significant trends throughout territory. more pronounced at higher elevation. Frost dates vary greatly due orographic characteristics IP. generalized trend delay autumn 0.4 1.06 days/year), early spring (between ?0.429 ?1.29 consequence longer period, all much stronger than those found other regions world. must be mitigated by modifying species, varieties, cultivation guarantee sustainable agriculture.