Detection of Changes on Temperature and Precipitation Features in Istanbul (Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, the changes in the data of Istanbul’s precipitation and temperature and the features of these changes were analyzed by different methods. In the analyses the daily precipitation and temperature data sets of Florya and Goztepe Meteorological Stations which have similar locational features were used. These sets were recorded between 1960 and 2013 (for 54 years). In order to emphasize the differentiations in the last 15 years the analyses were conducted comparatively both for the 15-year and for the 54-year periods and then the results were evaluated. The changes in the monthly, annual and seasonal quantity, type and frequency of the precipitation in the form of rain and the features of the temperature’s monthly, annual and seasonal changes, the De Martonne aridity index and the Thornthwaite climate classification were carried out. The results showed that during the years from 1999 to 2013 the climate type of Istanbul changed from semi-humid climate to arid and less-humid climate. Most notably the precipitation during the warm periods has decreased, but the frequency of the intense rain has increased and the majority of these episodes of intense rain coincided with the warm periods. Other determinations were the rise in the annual average temperature and the extension of the warm periods in a year. This differentiation of the temperature features can lead to the aggravation of the evaporation and it can be effective for a longer period during the year. Being aware of this differentiation in the features of precipitation and temperature and taking these data into consideration in all sorts of planning and managing strategies have a special importance for the 14 million or more people living in Istanbul.