Analysis of the Influence of Meteorological Factors on Honey Bee Colonies During the Overwintering Period
Keywords:
Honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) are a fundamental component of ecosystems in Romania, their development being significantly influenced by meteorological conditions both during the active season and throughout the overwintering period. The present study aims to assess the impact of key meteorological factors on honey bee colonies, based on data collected using BeeConn smart monitoring systems. The research was conducted between November 25, 2025, and March 1, 2026, corresponding to the cold season, within the apiary of the University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” of Timișoara. Environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, UV radiation, and precipitation, recorded by the BeeConn systems, were monitored alongside biological indicators including hive weight, food reserves, and bee mortality. The results highlight significant correlations between meteorological conditions and the overwintering performance of honey bee colonies. The study emphasizes the important role of digital monitoring technologies in apiculture and contributes to the advancement of precision beekeeping practices.Abstract
Honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) are a fundamental component of ecosystems in Romania, their development being significantly influenced by meteorological conditions both during the active season and throughout the overwintering period. The present study aims to assess the impact of key meteorological factors on honey bee colonies, based on data collected using BeeConn smart monitoring systems. The research was conducted between November 25, 2025, and March 1, 2026, corresponding to the cold season, within the apiary of the University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” of Timișoara. Environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, UV radiation, and precipitation, recorded by the BeeConn systems, were monitored alongside biological indicators including hive weight, food reserves, and bee mortality. The results highlight significant correlations between meteorological conditions and the overwintering performance of honey bee colonies. The study emphasizes the important role of digital monitoring technologies in apiculture and contributes to the advancement of precision beekeeping practices.
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