Spatial and Temporal Variability in Climate Variables Trends in the Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

India, a sub-tropical country is highly sensitive to climate change and its variability. The
main reason for its high sensitivity is the variability in rainfall and temperature. About 80
percent of the total rainfall over India occurs during the four months from June to September
as a result of the south-west monsoon. With this background, present study was conducted in
marathwada region of Maharashtra to examine spatial and temporal variability in climate
variables. The result shows that variation in seasonal rainfall was found more in postmonsoon period followed by pre-monsoon and monsoon period.The average rainfall was
highest in August month. June and October rainfall over the years has decreased sharply
while, august and September rainfall has increased. The principal rainstorm months are not
contributing as normally. From an agronomic point of view dry spells at critical growth
stages can be extremely hazardous and it is one of the prime reasons for dwindling crop yield.
Analysis of trend in climatic variables reveals that Marathwada region is more affected with
change in frequency of rainfall, less number of rainy days and frequent dry spells.