Examining trends in temperature and precipitation mean/extremes over Gandaki Province, Nepal

Abstract

Abstract Despite the increased frequency of extreme climate events including their significance in Nepal's socio-economy, climate studies have seldom considered extremes, and even fewer have considered them in combination with temperature and precipitation. This study aimed at examining the trend of climate variables in Gandaki Province, Nepal. Daily temperature and precipitation data of five stations between 1990 and 2020 were analyzed. Modified Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope methods were used to detect trend and magnitude. The Mann–Whitney–Pettitt test was used to detect abrupt changes, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to find the correlation. The result showed an increasing trend and a significant abrupt change in the maximum temperature for all stations. A decreasing trend in the minimum temperature was observed in the Himalayas and the Hill region, whereas an increasing trend was seen in Siwalik and Terai regions. The Jomsom station, however, behaved differently by showing an increasing trend in precipitation and the number of rainy days. The majority of the temperature indices showed an increasing trend unlike precipitation indices, which showed a mixed result. The maximum five-day precipitation and consecutive dry days showed a significant positive correlation with altitude. The results indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate conditions in Gandaki Province.