CLIMATIC TRENDS AND CLASSIFICATION SHIFTS IN THE MAT RIVER BASIN IN ALBANIA, BASED ON THE KÖPPEN- GEIGER AND KÖPPEN-TREWARTHA CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION

Albana HASIMI , Elvin ÇOMO , Gazmir ÇELA , Entela VAKO, Amarildo SHALLAS , Mirela DVORANI, Anira GJONI , Blerina PAPAJANI

DOI: 10.21163/GT_2026.211.15

ABSTRACT: The Mati River flows in the centre of the northern geographical region of the Republic of Albania. From a climatic perspective, this region exhibits significant variability in temperature and precipitation, influenced by its diverse topography, with altitudes ranging from 1,800 meters above sea level to sea level at the estuary. The operation of multiple hydroelectric power plants along the Mati River underscores the significance of this study, as precipitation variability directly influences hydropower generation and, consequently, Albania's energy sector. On the other hand, the occurrence of extreme temperatures in this region directly impacts the quality of life, agricultural productivity, and the agro-industrial sector. Also, the presence of old mining dumps, along with the region's geological formation, which is known to be mineral-rich, explains the occurrence of heavy metals in the river’s water. Climatic conditions directly influence the concentration of these pollutants, making this a key reason for undertaking this study. The comparative analysis of climatic data across seven meteorological stations within the Mat River Basin indicates a consistent and measurable warming trend, accompanied by spatially variable precipitation changes over the past three decades. The evolution of the Köppen Climate Classification (KCC) and Köppen -Trewartha Climate Classification (KTC) further supports an ongoing transition toward warmer and, in some cases, drier climatic regimes across the basin.

Keywords: Climate data; Köppen climate classification; Köppen – Trewartha; Climatic shifts classification; Mati River basin.

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