Long term Variability and Trends of Significant Climatic Events at Lucknow District of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Variability in climatic events like heat waves, cold waves, frost, heavy precipitation and droughts provide evidence of climate change. Occurrence of these events and trend analysis were done by utilizing daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall data for Lucknow district which lies in central agro climatic zone of Uttar Pradesh for the period of 37 years (1975-2011) with the IMD criteria. The maximum number of heat waves was observed in the year 1995 (22) and minimum in the years 1989 and 2006 (1). The maximum number of severe heat waves was observed in the year 1987 (11). The month June has been found the most susceptible for occurrence of heat waves. On an average 4 heat waves could be expected in the month of June. An increasing trend of heat waves was noticed and pointed towards rising of maximum temperature over the region. Maximum number of cold waves was observed in the year 1976-77 (28) out of which 12 events were severe. On an average 4 cold waves were observed per year during the period 1975- 2010. The trend analysis revealed that cold waves are becoming less frequent. On an average, 2 frost events per year could be expected. The month January was found to be more susceptible to frost condition. The decreasing trend of frost events was noticed at annual time scale. Maximum occurrence of heavy rainfall events was observed in the year 1980 (6). Annually, 2 heavy rainfall events could be expected. A decreasing trend of heavy rainfall events were noticed over annual time scale. The meteorological droughts of different intensities viz. mild, moderate and severe showed that central zone of Uttar Pradesh is prone to mild to moderate type of drought.