Regional Characteristics of Temperature Anomalies in Pakistan with Emphasis on Spatial Distribution at Decadal Scale: A Case Study of August (1950s-2000s)

Abstract

In this paper the month of August was assessed from 1950s-2000s based on the temperature data from 53 stations that covers almost all Pakistan. The temperature coefficient has been calculated by making use of linear regression. The results have been mapped that show considerable variability of temperature at decadal scale in different areas of Pakistan. The rugged terrains especially and rest of Pakistan generally reflect significant temperature variability in the decades of 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s as well. This change in temperature varies from region to region and decade to decade in Pakistan. The temperature anomalies achieved in the country are complicated at local level and did not follow the simple perception that winter months are warming and summer months are cooling. In this study, a geographical approach has been adopted to explain the spatial-temporal dynamics of temperature variation over the study period in Pakistan with emphasis on regional detail.