Quantification and Qualification Analysis of the Heat Waves Using Heat Wave Norm in the Region of Bechar (Algeria) during the Period 1951-2010

Abstract

This study presents a new non-parametric measure of heat waves called heat wave norm (HWN), which allows quantifying and qualifying the magnitude of the summer heat wave events in the Bechar region located northwest of the Algerian Sahara over the period 1951-2010. The index, based on the analysis of daily maximum and minimum temperatures by adding them, integrated two dimensions at the same time: the duration and the excess heat. The results show an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme events. More specifically, from the 1980s, it is possible to observe the propagation of extreme and very extreme and super extreme heat waves in recent decades with maximum presence during the period 1990-2010. In general, it can be said that the trend of excessive warming is clearly displayed in the Algerian Sahara, generally classified as a hot region.