Investigating Variations and Trend Analysis for Temperature and Precipitation as a Result of Climate Change in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Climate change is a pressing issue that is affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the world. This study investigates the trend analysis and spatial-temporal variations of temperature and precipitation on a monthly, seasonal, and annual basis in Rajasthan state, India, over the past 40 years (1981-2020). The trend analysis of temperature and precipitation were analysed using the Mann-Kendall test at the confidence level of 95%. The magnitude (slope) was determined by using Theil-Sen’s slope test. The results of the analysis revealed significant positive and negative trends of temperature and precipitation observed on a monthly, seasonal, and annual basis in all the 33 districts of Rajasthan state. The summer season experienced the maximum average temperature, while the winter season had the minimum. The study also found that the northern and western parts of Rajasthan experience “Mawat” rain during the winter due to cyclones happening in the Mediterranean Sea during that season. The annual average temperature and precipitation were observed to be maximum in the southern part and minimum in the northern and western parts of the state. The findings of this study provide valuable information for the future management of water resources and the likely impact of activities on the hydrologic cycle and natural resources in Rajasthan state.