Summary:

In this article the authors present a thermal analysis of winter seasons with temperatures above 0ºC. This analysis was carried out in the period 1981-2010, which was marked by a clear temperature increase in Poland as well as worldwide. The analysis emphasizes the impact of temperature changes on recreational and tourist qualities of rural areas. The material used, featured mean monthly temperature values obtained from 53 weather stations situated in lowland areas. The winter season was defined as lasting from December to February. In all three months 6 different winters were distinguished which had temperatures above 0ºC in terms of mean area values (1987/1988, 1988/1989, 1989/1990, 1997/1998, 2006/2007 and 2007/2008). A typical warm winter with temperatures above 0°C in all three months, is characterized by a longitudinal course of January isotherms from east to west (1 to 3°C). During the warmest month, (Jan 2007) the isotherms had a similar pattern (2 to 5°C). The most important negative impact of global warming during winter is the decrease in the number of days with snow cover and the depth of snow cover. Adaptation approaches present a number of various suggestions and solutions in terms of the existing and forecasted climate changes during winter.