Analysis of rainfall and temperature characteristics and its correlation with Southern Oscillation Index in Beijing, China

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, the urban area has continued to develop, and the demand for water resources is increasing. Rainfall, as an important source of water resources, is gaining more and more attention. Under this background, it is very necessary to analyse the changes in rainfall in Beijing, the capital of China. This study analysed the daily average temperature, rainfall data from 20 stations in the Beijing area in the past 50 years (1960–2012). Linear regression, mean variance, M-K method and ArcGIS spatial analysis are used to analyse Beijing's temperature and rainfall characteristics. These methods are applied to analyse the mutual relations between Beijing's rainfall, temperature changes and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). The results show that in the past 50 years in Beijing, the precipitation has shown a downward trend, the temperature has generally shown an upward trend, and the evaporation has generally shown a downward trend. The interrelation between regional climate change and the SOI is not significant. In the past 50 years, urban development has been closely related to the reduction of rainfall and increase in temperature. This study responds to the urgent need for research on the rainfall and temperature.