Spatial and temporal variability of Heat waves and Maximum temperature in West Rajasthan

Abstract

The present study analyzes the spatial and temporal variability of maximum temperatures during the pre-monsoon season (March to June) over western Rajasthan, using daily maximum temperature data from six meteorological stations—Jaisalmer, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, and Sri Ganganagar—for the period 1969–2022. The analysis is divided into five decades: 1971–1980, 1981–1990, 1991–2000, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020. Key parameters examined include the highest recorded maximum temperature, mean decadal temperature, and the frequency of heat waves (HW) and severe heat wave (SHW) days. The results highlight a consistently heat wave-prone zone in the northern part of western Rajasthan, especially around Churu, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar. A significant rise in the frequency and intensity of HW and SHW events is observed in the last two decades, i.e., 2001-2010 & 2011-2020, indicating increasing thermal extremes in the region. These findings have important implications for climate risk assessment and regional adaptation strategies.