Keywords

Mostly mountainous, the climate parameters of the Park area differ greatly according to altitude. The average annual rainfall ranges from about 650 mm for Anversa degli Abruzzi up to 1,700 mm for some peaks, as shown by the hydrological map (Boni et al. 1986). The maximum values are among the highest in the central Apennines. The data are, however, partial and approximate, lacking meteorological stations at lower altitudes and, from the higher ones, temperature data in particular.

The highest rainfall generally occurs in the autumn with a secondary peak in winter (January) and to a lesser extent in spring (March). The average temperatures are quite low (≤10 °C) and, given the relatively abundant rainfall, do not result in stress from summer aridity, known only for the Barrea station. This stress is, of course, more evident and pronounced in the foothill resort part of the external buffer area with a distinctly Mediterranean climate. No data is, however, available.